Workers’ compensation is a confusing benefit that many workers are eligible for. If you were injured at work, you may hesitate from filing a claim.
You may be delaying your workers’ comp claim because you don’t know enough about the process. Here are several questions that may be keeping you away from your benefits:
1. When should I file a workers’ comp claim?
The short answer is, immediately. The more evidence you have that shows you were injured at work, as opposed to outside of work, can support your claim. You do, however, have a two-year statute of limitation to file a formal claim petition.
2. What if the injury was my fault?
Workers comp is a no-fault system. What this means is that it doesn’t matter how the injury occurred (with a few exceptions). You, a co-worker or your employer could have caused the injury and you should still be eligible to seek benefits.
3. Could my claim be denied?
Unfortunately yes, but that shouldn’t stop you from filing a claim. There are many issues, often minor, that can make receiving workers’ comp benefits difficult. However, with the correct paperwork and a clear indication that you were injured at work, then there shouldn’t be many issues stopping you from claiming your benefits.
4. Should I seek legal help?
When dealing with a serious medical injury, it’s always a safe plan to know your legal options. One misstep during the claim process could mean your entire future.