Life is unpredictable and misfortunes may take place at any given time. Workers have a high likelihood of getting injured while undertaking their work duties. State laws require employers to bear the burden of compensating employee injuries.
Employees help the business they are working in to thrive; if not for them companies and businesses as we know them would not exist. Employees are compensated for their services through salaries and other benefits. Factory workers are at risk of getting injured while they operate various factory machines. The likelihood of injuries in the workplace is endless. It is important for employees to understand what remedies the law accords to them in the event of an injury while at work.
Steps taken after an injury occurs
Following an injury at work the employee affected seeks medical attention. The employee is expected to notify their employer about the injury as early as possible. A written notification goes a long way when it comes to making claims; the notice of injury should be presented to the employer in writing. While the injured party is recuperating they can initiate contact with a workers compensation attorney. The attorney assesses the case and appropriately advices the client on whether there is a viable claim to be made or not. The claim is viable if made within thirty days following the occurrence of the injury. Claims can be made six months following the termination of the injured party or within 2 years in relation to the severity and nature of the injury the employee sustains. A claim may be filed after 2 years expire in special circumstances.
What the workers compensation covers
Workers compensation is issued as a reimbursement for all the bills an employee incurs following an injury at work. Some of the injuries and conditions which are compensated include; disabilities, hearing impairments, recurring injuries, heart attacks and surgeries. Disabilities covered include; (PPD) permanent and partial disability, (TTD) temporary and total disability as well as (PTD) permanent and total disability. Employees who suffer from permanent and total disability are entitled to lifetime benefits under the compensation. Partial disability is granted to employees who are able to resume their normal work duties following an injury. Most injured parties are extended; the payment of their medical bills, rehabilitation treatments and weekly check up costs. In the unlikely event that an injured employee dies, their next of kin are entitled to survivor benefits.
The role of the attorney
The workers compensation attorney guides the injured party through the process of filing the claim. The attorney is also responsible for gathering all the necessary information to ensure that their clients receive the benefits they deserve. Some of the documents they gather include; medical records, the employee’s personnel files and payroll information among other documents. The attorney carefully looks into the matter and identifies whether the injury was accidental or if the injury arose from the negligence of the employer. In such an instance a negligence law suit is brought against the employer. The attorney also negotiates with the insurance company for settlements outside court. This is in line with the injured party’s wishes. Should the matter proceed to court, the attorney presents the case on behalf of their client before the court. The attorney prepares clients as well as medical exhibits to present during the hearings. The attorney lets the client know what is unfolding at every stage of the hearing and advices the client on which course of action to take. After the hearing is concludes and the employee is awarded compensation; the attorney assists the client to access compensatory payments.
