How to Apply For Workers’ Compensation for an Injury Caused at Work

Many employers and employees only look into workers’ compensation when dealing with an injury. Ideally, you should be prepared for the worst situations before they occur.

There are numerous benefits of workers’ compensation. It ensures that your medical care is paid for in case of an injury and that your rights as a worker are protected. It also provides temporary and permanent disability benefits. Additionally, it covers rehabilitation needs and provides death benefits. In short, knowing how to apply workers’ compensation can make things much easier when dealing with an injury acquired at work.

Here’s how you can go about it.

1. Report the Injury

The first step is to report it to the employer. Most companies require you to provide written notice. Many states also have a deadline set for injury reporting. For example, some employers may ask for a 30 days notice period, while other states may require a year-long one.

Review your state’s laws, and report the injury accordingly.

2. File the Claim Form

Once you send in the initial notice, you must complete the necessary paperwork. This requires filling out a workers’ comp claim form that needs to be filled and returned to the employer. Make sure you get as much information regarding your insurance as you can.

After you have filed the claim form, your employer must send all necessary information to the workers’ comp insurance carrier. Remember, the doctor examining your injury must also submit a medical report.

You may have to inform your state’s workers’ comp board in certain cases. If you’re an employer, you may have to do this regardless of whether your employee has applied for workers’ comp benefits.

3. Wait for Insurance Approval

Last but not least, you have to wait for your insurance to approve your claim. Once that’s done, the insurance company will notify your employer. They will reach out to you with payment details.

To navigate this situation smoothly and efficiently, it’s best to hire a workers’ compensation attorney. They’ll guide you on accepting the offer provided by the insurance company. Moreover, they can also help you negotiate settlement terms if needed.

If you’re searching for a work injury law firm in Chico, CA, check out the Law Office of Harley Merritt. They have some of the best workers’ comp lawyers.

Reach out to them for help with workers’ compensation in Chico, CA.