What Are Some Tips For Filing A Workers' Comp Claim?
When you are injured on-the-job, you are entitled to coverage from workers' compensation. This includes helping to pay for medical visits, surgery, recovery, and missing income. If you are filling a workers' comp claim, make sure you take the following actions to increase the chances of having it approved.
Let Your Employer Know
In order to get approved for workers' compensation, you need to inform your employer. The workers' comp office might ask if you went to an approved physician, so letting your employer and the human resources department know about your injury should be one of the first things you do. You will need to see their doctor, who will give you proper documentation to prove your injury and that you received it at work. If it is a repetitive motion injury, keep in mind if you didn't let your employer know when you first started having problems, you might not get all of your benefits.
Gather All Your Medical Records
Before you begin filling out the claim form, you need to have your medical documents and records in front of you. If you saw your own doctor about the injury before the workers' comp doctor, have that information as well. You need to compile receipts for anything you paid for medical care, including deductibles, co-pays, prescription costs, and treatment costs. Do the same for any care received at the workers' comp office, including their official diagnosis.
Get the Forms From Your Employer
After you have gone to the doctor and have the diagnosis stating your injury was from work, you can start filing the claim. Get these forms from your employer or the workers' compensation office. They will likely give you instructions on how to fill it out and who to turn it into. If you have any doubts about it being approved at this point, get help from a workers' compensation attorney when filling it out. They will also be able to help you if for some reason it is denied and you need to file an appeal. Provide copies of any requested documents and explain in detail your injury, how you got it, and what treatments are now required.
If you send in the claim and it is denied, the form mailed back to you will explain the reasoning and how to file an appeal. This is when your lawyer can help you get the benefits you deserve.
For more information, contact a practice like Hornthal Riley Ellis & Maland LLP.
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