Understanding the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim if you have been injured while at work is an essential part of ensuring that you are compensated for your injuries. At The Law Firm of Webster & Carlton, our Jasper County workers’ comp attorneys can guide you through the process and help you to understand your right to benefits.

Workers’ Compensation: What Is It and Who’s Covered?

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance system that provides workers with no-fault benefits (workers do not have to prove fault for their injuries, nor are barred from benefits if they contributed to their injuries) in exchange for employer immunity (workers cannot file a lawsuit against an employer following a workplace crash).

Workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory for the majority of employers in Jasper County to carry. In fact, any employer with five or more employees and all employers in the construction industry with one or more employees are required to maintain workers’ compensation insurance.

Benefits Available Through Workers’ Compensation

An employee who is injured on the job is entitled to benefits to compensate them for their medical costs, and even a portion of their lost wages. These benefits include:

• Medical benefits. A worker is entitled to 100 percent compensation for all necessary and reasonable medical expenses.

• Disability benefits. A worker may recover temporary total, temporary partial, permanent partial, or permanent total disability benefits. These benefits are paid at a rate of 66 ⅔ the injured worker’s average weekly wage prior to the injury.

• Death benefits. If a workplace injury results in death, the injured worker’s family may be entitled to death benefits in the form of weekly benefits, as well as funeral expenses.

Filing a Claim – Steps to Take after a Workplace Injury

If you are injured while working, taking the necessary steps to bring forth a claim helps to ensure you recover the benefits you need. Important steps to take include:

• Report your injury. If you do not report your injury within 30 days of its occurrence, you may forfeit your right to compensation.

• Get medical care. Once you report your injury (or before if you need emergency care), you should get medical care. Be sure to check to make sure that the doctor from whom you are seeking care is covered by your workers’ compensation insurer.

• Check on the status of your claim. While your employer is responsible for reporting your injury to your insurer and initiating the claims process after receiving notice from you, it is your responsibility to check on the status of your claim (and ensure it has actually been initiated). Once you are offered a settlement, you should review it to ensure that you have received all benefits due to you. If not, you should consult with an attorney, who can help you to review your options.

Jasper County Worker's Comp Lawyers Representing You

At The Law Firm of Webster & Carlton, our Jasper County workers’ compensation attorneys have the experience you’re looking for, and are very familiar with the workers’ compensation claims process. Not only can we assist you in filing your claim and understanding your right to benefits, but also represent you when negotiating a claim or appealing a denied claim. To learn more, contact us today for your free consultation. It’s easy to get in touch with us by phone or email.