Workers’ compensation is a claim and benefits system established for workers who become ill, are injured, or die while on the job. Workers’ comp is actually a type of state-mandated insurance purchased by employers as coverage for their employees, each state having its own individual program. Benefits may include medical expenses, death benefits, lost wages, and rehab services.
The most common types of workers’ comp claims include:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Vehicular accidents
- Repetitive strain
- Machinery accidents
- Overexertion
- Being struck by an object
Types of injuries that are most commonly seen in workers’ comp cases are strains and sprains, cuts or punctures, contusions, inflammation, fractures, and repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.
As a general rule, these are clear cut cases because workers’ comp is a “no fault statute” which means that, with few exceptions, who caused the injury is not crucial to an injured employee being able to get benefits.
Filing a claim with your employer if you’ve been injured on the job should happen as soon as possible and within the statutory deadlines mandated by the state in which you reside.
Where does your case fall?
Among the types of workers’ comp claims, the top 3 most common workers’ comp claims are:
- Overexertion — usually happens when an employee lifts, pushes, or pulls something beyond his or her normal range of motion
- Slips, trips, and falls — occur most often due to wet, slick, or uneven surfaces, poor lighting, other maintenance concerns
- Falling to lower levels — occurs when an employee falls off a ladder, a roof, scaffolding,or down a flight of stairs
Your workers’ comp case may be similar to the aforementioned examples in which case you’ll want to file a claim ASAP.
Filing a claim involves several steps, the first being to seek immediate medical treatment. Make sure that you notify your employer in writing, fill out an official form which should be provided to you by your employer, and keep detailed records concerning all medical treatment. You should also keep receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses that are related to your injury.
Fast results
If you’ve suffered a work-related injury, in can be a frightening and confusing time. You’re injured, you can’t work, and you’re worried about how you’re going to pay your bills without any income.
To ensure that your rights are protected and that you get adequate compensation, you should contact an attorney who specializes in workers’ comp injury cases, especially for more complicated cases such as those resulting in severe injuries requiring surgery, a permanent disability, or if you have pre-existing disabilities, for example.
At Gold Country Workers’ Comp Center, we’ll advocate on your behalf to ensure that you receive all of the benefits to which you are entitled. Additionally, if you have sustained an injury that may keep you from working permanently, we can advise you about filing for Social Security disability benefits, too. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation.
