Some Facts You Need To Know About Workers’ Compensation Before You File A Claim
A job-related injury can significantly impact a person’s life, especially because most work-related injuries occur when least expected. Fortunately, workers’ compensation is there to help you ease the stress of work-related injuries. Workers’ compensation insurance is a type of coverage that employers purchase that provides employees who suffer job-related injuries with certain benefits. If you suffered a job-related injury, you might be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim and recover benefits. But, before you file your claim, below are some facts you need to know.
Fact #1: You Must Report Your Injury
If you suffered a work-related injury, you must report your injury to your employer. When it comes to reporting job-related injuries, you need to keep in mind that you only have a small window to disclose your injuries to your employer. According to Florida law, you need to report your work-related injury to your employer within thirty days after the date of or initial manifestation of your injury. If you do not report your job-related injury to your employer within that time, you may be barred from filing a claim.
Fact #2: Your Employer’s Insurer Chooses Your Doctor
If you suffered a work-related injury, you should know that your employer’s insurer will choose your doctor in the event that you pursue a workers’ compensation claim. Nevertheless, there are a few exceptions when you may be able to choose your own doctor, such as if:
- You require emergency medical treatment; or
- Your employer’s insurer fails to notify you within a reasonable amount of time about the doctor you should see
Fact #3: You Are Allowed To Seek a Second Opinion
While you are generally required to get treatment from the doctor your employer’s insurer chooses, you can get a second opinion from another doctor. However, before you can see another doctor for a second opinion, you must inform your employer and obtain your doctor’s approval. With that said, you need to keep in mind that you may have to pay the other doctor out of pocket.
Fact #3: You Are Eligible for Benefits Regardless of Fault
Workers’ compensation is a “no-fault” system, meaning that you do not need to prove your employer or co-worker caused your injuries. You also do not need to worry if you were the cause of your injuries. As long as you file your claim on time and follow the correct procedure, you should be able to recover benefits.
Fact #4: Your Employer’s Insurer May Try to Undervalue Your Claim
Insurance companies are in the business of making money, meaning your employer’s insurer will likely try to pay you as little as possible or get out of paying you altogether. Because of this, it is vital that, if you suffered a work-related injury, you retain a skilled attorney who can help you with your claim. An attorney can ensure you recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Key West & Marathon Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you suffered a work-related injury, you need to get in touch with a workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. When it comes to workers’ compensation claims, time is of the essence.
Contact a Key West & Marathon workers’ compensation lawyer at Florida Keys Injury today to discuss your case.
