Should you experience an injury on duty, you will most likely be entitled to submit a work injury claim. There are some exclusions and the amount you receive will depend on how bad the injury actually is and whether or not it is actually covered by the worker’s compensation regulations. These vary from state to state and country to country and even company to company. There are several different policies used by the various employers and each insurer has different criteria. The simple steps below will help you with a work injury claim.
Does your Employer have to have Worker’s Compensation Cover?
In just about every workplace in every state, workman’s compensation cover is a legal requirement for every company to have.
Is your Injury Covered?
You need to check that your injury falls under the auspices of worker’s compensation cover before instituting a work injury claim. If your injury was obtained in the normal course of your work whilst you were doing something that was part of your job, you will be covered. If you are out of the office on work related business and are injured, you will also qualify.
You will still be able to claim even if your employer was proven to be negligent. If, however, you were doing something that was not work-related, you will not be able to claim - if, for example, you are injured whilst rough-housing, you will not be covered.
You Need to let your Employer Know
You will need to inform your employer of the extent of the injury and your intention to submit a work injury claim as soon as possible. You will need evidence of the injury from a doctor and may be obliged to consult a doctor appointed by your employer.
Get the Documentation Right
You need to get the right documentation to enable you to submit your work injury claim. You should be able to get it either from your doctor or your employer – depending on the state regulations. You will need to complete it properly and neatly and attach any addendums requested. Submit to your employer for submission to their insurance company.
What Can you Claim for
Your work injury claim will usually entail monetary compensation for medical expenses, reimbursement for lost wages and a possible cash settlement should the injury have proved severe enough to leave you unable to work.
You need to put a little effort to make sure that the all the details are properly completed and all the required info is presented to make sure that your claim is not denied.
