Important Factors to Consider When Filing for Workers’ Compensation
If you are injured on the job, the last thing you’re probably going to remember is what to do next. But getting injured does require you to make quick decisions in order to ensure that you’ll be able to receive workers compensation. You can be injured immediately or note that your injury develops over time. It’s crucial that you’re evaluated no matter your injuries and that you make your claim for compensation.
Contact Your Employer
The very first thing you’ll need to do after your injury is to immediately contact your employer. The type of insurance your employer has dictates the provider you’ll need to see, which is why it’s imperative to notify your employer immediately. Your employer may require that the initial consultation done after your personal injury is performed by a medical provider of the employer’s choice, and then from there, you may be able to seek out your own treatment. Other employers may require that you see their own specialized doctor for the duration of your injury’s treatment. No matter the case, determining what happened and having the necessary examinations and testings done is necessary to accurately diagnose your symptoms and prescribe the necessary treatments.
Concern for Conflict of Interest
You may have some concern that using your employer’s medical doctor may lead to some type of conflict of interest. This is a justifiable concern and a good question for your lawyer. It’s important that you do seek out a personal injury attorney who is experienced in the field of personal injury and workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation is a very complicated area of the law and the filing process is complicated as well. You’re going to be worried about getting better, the last thing you want to manage to is staying on top of your workers’ compensation claim.
Statute of Limitations
Another important aspect to consider is the time constraints that may be placed on you regarding compensation for your healthcare expenses, the time you may spend away from your job and any long-term impacts you may suffer as a result of your personal injury. There may be a statute of limitations, so it’s best to check with an experienced attorney regarding such time limitations. You’ll want to make sure you receive the proper care and will also see the reimbursement for any treatment you receive, but if you don’t take the necessary action in a timely manner, you’ll find that you may not be successful in your claim for workers’ compensation.
Other Things to Consider
There are a few other details to consider when filing a claim for workers’ compensation. The first thing to consider is making sure you write down the names of any employee who was witness to your incident. This may come in handy if you’re required to attend a hearing. Also, you will want to keep track of any and all medical expenses and make copies of your bills for proof that you’re being treated for your personal injury.