Workers’ Comp Claim Process
Workers’ compensation provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill from their employment. These benefits can include medical care, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation.
Here are the steps on how to file a workers’ compensation claim:
- Report your injury to your employer immediately. You have 30 days to report your injury to your employer. If you do not report your injury within this timeframe, you may be denied benefits.
- Seek medical attention. Your employer should provide you with medical treatment for your work-related injury or illness. If your employer does not provide you with medical treatment, you can seek medical attention on your own and submit your medical bills to your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier for reimbursement.
- Complete a workers’ compensation claim form. You can obtain a claim form from your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier or online. The claim form will ask you for information about your injury, your employer, and your medical treatment.
- Submit your claim to your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier. You can submit your claim form by mail, fax, or online.
- Provide medical documentation of your injury or illness. This documentation may include medical records, bills, and reports from your doctor.
- Attend an independent medical examination (IME). Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier may schedule you for an IME. An IME is an examination by a doctor who is not your regular doctor. The IME doctor will assess your injury and provide a report to your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
- Participate in a vocational rehabilitation assessment. If you are unable to return to your old job due to your work-related injury or illness, you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation. Vocational rehabilitation is a program that can help you find a new job or train for a new career.
- Attend a hearing. If your claim is denied, you may request a hearing to have your claim reviewed by an independent decision-maker.
It is important to note that the workers’ compensation laws vary from state to state. It is always best to consult with an attorney in your state to get specific advice on how to file a workers’ compensation claim.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation.