The most common workplace injuries include overexertion injuries and those related to slips or falls. Luckily, these kinds of injuries are highly treatable, if you can access the right care.
If you’ve sustained an injury at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. However, securing your rights is not always a straightforward process.
If there is a dispute about your workers’ comp entitlements, you’ll need to be armed with the right knowledge.
Read on to learn more about what to expect from the workers’ comp settlement process.
What Kinds of Injuries Does Workers’ Comp Cover?
Workers’ compensation covers a vast array of illnesses and injuries. Generally, any physical injuries you sustain during your work are eligible for cover.
Mental health issues may also be covered, although it is usually more difficult to prove that these arose in the workplace.
The rules on the provision of care to workers’ comp patients vary from state to state. However, you should know that you will not usually be entitled to choose your doctor for this type of care.
To get treatment, you will have to find a specialist workers comp doctor in your area.
What Does a Workers’ Comp Settlement Give Me?
Firstly, workers’ compensation covers medical expenses for your injury. Initial assessment, emergency care, and basic treatment are all taken care of.
However, there are limits to your entitlements for your ongoing care. You will only be able to avail of a certain amount of, for example, physiotherapy and massage therapy through workers’ compensation.
The rules on this vary from state to state.
You will also have an entitlement to compensation for loss of wages. The extent of your entitlement here also varies from state to state.
Can My Employer Refuse to Pay?
Workers’ compensation insurance is a legal necessity for employers in every state except Texas. In most cases, therefore, the ability to pay shouldn’t be an issue.
However, many employers still contest claims. The hike in their insurance premium after a successful claim can be significant, so it is in their best interest to avoid them.
The best way for an employer to contest your claim is to maintain that your injury was not as a result of your work. This risk is especially pronounced with injuries that do not have a single identifiable cause, like repetitive strain issues.
Should I Hire a Lawyer?
If you’re worried that your employer might try to escape liability, you should hire a lawyer. If there is any reasonable doubt as to how your injury originated, your employer’s legal team may try to exploit this.
Getting the Care You Need
Suffering an injury is never a pleasant experience. However, sustaining one in the workplace can be especially traumatic, especially if your employer disputes their liability.
To ensure you get the appropriate care, you need to know your rights in relation to your workers’ comp settlement.
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