Steps to Begin Filing for Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation is available to workers who have suffered any injury, or any other kind of medical condition that was caused by their job. It doesn’t really matter what kind of injury it is, or even whose fault it was that the worker was injured. It doesn’t even matter if you the condition existed before if it was made worse by the job. What matters is that you can show that it was job related, and that you take the right steps when filing for the benefit. At the Lancaster workers’ compensation firm of Vanasse Law, we are committed to helping those entitled to workers’ compensation to get what they deserve, whether that is compensation for medical expenses, payment for wages that they lose during their treatment, recovery and rehabilitation, or payments for long-term or permanent disability. The first step in getting your benefits is to follow the process correctly. Here are the steps to begin filing for workers’ compensation.

The first thing that you need to do is notify your employer of your injury. This must be done within twenty-one days after your injury, though you may have as long as 120 days. What’s most important is that you let them know, even if you don’t think that it’s a very important injury or that you won’t need treatment.

Once you tell your employer, they have to tell their insurance company, and they have just 21 days from when you tell them to agree to pay for your claim or to deny it. You will need to give them proof of your injuries to get compensation, as well as information about whether and when you can go back to your job or if there are things you shouldn’t or can’t do. You’ll have to go to the company’s designated health care providers for 90 days if they have them.

If your claim is approved, you’ll be able to get compensation for you expenses, as well as a portion of your average weekly wage. If it’s denied then you’ll need to file an appeal. Though you may have filed your initial claim on your own, if the insurance company or your employer issue a denial then you will need to file an appeal in order to get your benefits. At this point it is strongly advised that you begin working with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, as they will be able to assist you with the process and help you to gather the evidence that you need to support your case. You will also need an attorney’s help if you receive a petition to terminate, modify or suspend your benefits.

The workers’ compensation lawyers at Vanasse Law have a record of success in helping injured workers get the compensation and benefits that they deserve. Contact our office today to set up an appointment to discuss your case.