If you have become injured or contract an occupational disease while on the job, you have the right to file for workers' compensation in an attempt to collect money for your medical expenses and lack of a paycheck. Here are some instructions on the process you will need to follow to file a workers' compensation claim and what you can expect in return once it has been accepted.

How to File a Claim

File your claim as soon as you stop doing your job because of injury of disease. The paperwork will take a little while to go through so it is important to submit it while the reasoning for your unemployment is fresh on your mind. It is also important to file right away because some states have deadlines in how long you are allowed to file after the mishap occurs.

Contact your employer to let them know you are filing for workers' compensation. They should have the forms available to give to you to get the process started. Do not be afraid to let your employer know you are filing. It is against the law for your employer to hold a claim against you and will be considered discrimination if they do so. 

If you would rather file without getting your employer involved, you can get the proper forms online by searching for the workers' compensation office in the state where you work. Be aware that doing this may upset your employer, as they will not be aware of your claim until after the paperwork is filed. It may be in your best interest to let your employer know you are filing before you send the paperwork in to be processed.

Medical Coverage

Filing a workers' compensation claim will allow you to receive money to pay for your medical expenses including surgery, physical therapy, medication and visits to the doctor to check on your progress. The money will be paid by your employer's insurance or the state in which you work. You may also be eligible for disability wages if your injury or disease causes you to not be able to return to the job that you had performed. A doctor will assess your ailment and make this determination so you will know if you should file for this additional money or not.

Lost Wage Coverage

Workers' compensation will also cover money that you are losing by not being able to work. You will not receive the entire amount of your paycheck, but instead will receive a portion of your regular pay. The amount will vary depending on the state where your work. You will not be able to file for unemployment if you intend on collecting money from workers' compensation. For more information, contact Kuzyk Law.

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