It is also your right to choose your physician, although in some cases, your employer may request you visit a company doctor in their network.Ī comprehensive medical evaluation will help provide evidence of the cause and the extent of your injuries. Even if symptoms do not present themselves directly and you don't think the injury was serious, I still recommend visiting the doctor for a complete medical examination. You may need to seek medical help immediately. Naturally, if you've suffered a workplace injury, you have the right to see a doctor and pursue medical treatment, depending on the severity of your injury. You can file your claim with the workers' compensation court or your state's industrial court.Īfter your workplace injury, be sure to fill out an accident report and submit it to your manager or supervisor to help initiate the process in documenting the incident and pursuing rightful compensation as necessary. The first thing to do after a workplace injury is to file a claim for the accident. You have the right to file a workers' compensation claim after a work-related injury. First I will discuss some of the general legal rights that apply to everyone, no matter which state you live in Although there are ways to file an appeal or pursue alternatives to fair compensation, which we'll cover later. Because workers comp is a no-fault system, employees are entitled to benefits-no matter who is at fault for the accident.Įmployees are typically ineligible to sue their employer. Workers Compensation is designed to pay for injured workers' medical bills, treatments, and a portion of their lost income.
In general, there are a few rights that are common across all states that apply to injured employees. This means every state has its own specific rules and regulations around pursuing workers' compensation benefits. Most employers are required to purchase workers' compensation insurance for their employees. Reimbursements include their medical treatment and other benefits, like partial wage replacement when they're away from work because of their injuries. When employees are injured at work, they usually have to go through their state's workers' compensation system to get reimbursed. I Was Injured at Work, What Are My Rights?
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If you've been injured at work and wonder how to proceed and pursue rightful workers compensation benefits, then continue reading, and I will explain what you should know about your rights and what to do after the injury has taken place.
Injuries could include broken bones, head injury, sickness, psychological injuries, burns, and other occupational hazards. However, despite best efforts, work-related injuries can still occur on the job. While we never expect these unfortunate accidents to occur, it's helpful to know that employers in every state are required to pay for workers' compensation insurance to protect their employees' health and wellness.Ĭreating a safe and healthy work environment is a necessary precaution to help prevent workplace injuries and accidents. You simply receive treatment for your medical bills and part of your salary through the workers' compensation program to which your employer belongs.Workplace injuries happen all the time. That is, if you are hurt on the job, it is generally not a matter of determining if you were at fault or if the employer was at fault. Workers' compensation is basically a no-fault set up. It provides you with a certain amount of financial protection, but the employer gets a good deal as well the laws limit how much you can get from your company, and the laws usually prevent you from suing your co-workers. Workers' compensation is a really important safety net for most workers. The idea is to get your medical bills paid and to provide a percentage of your weekly salary so you don't have to file a lawsuit against your company (though you still can file a lawsuit in many states, however. Workers' compensation laws were set up to make sure that workers who suffer workplace injuries are appropriately compensated.