Have you suffered an injury or illness because of the work you do? If so, you have rights, but you may not fully understand what they are. One of these rights is the ability to recover workers’ compensation benefits.
If you are in this situation, there’s a good chance you have more than a few questions. Learn about some of the most commonly asked questions, and their answers, here.
1. What Should You Do if You Suffer an Injury at Work?
After you are involved in an accident at work, you need to report it right away. The time limits are going to vary from one state to another; however, if you don’t report the accident within the required time period, your claim will be denied. Even if you don’t believe you are injured, you need to report a workplace accident to your employer.
2. Will Workers’ Compensation Cover a Work-Related Injury or Illness That Isn’t Caused by an Accident?
Workers’ compensation will provide coverage for work-related injuries, including repetitive motion injuries. An example of this is carpel tunnel syndrome, which is something workers who do a lot of typing suffer.
Workers can suffer an array of illnesses that are related to the jobs they do. For example, if you are in a high-stress job, you may develop digestive conditions related to on-the-job stress. If you are exposed to a lot of car exhaust, you may suffer breathing issues. The ability to recover benefits depends on the situation and your illness, so it’s best to hire a workers’ compensation attorney for help.
3. Can You Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits if the Accident was Your Fault?
Part of the purpose of the workers’ compensation system is to give benefits to an injured worker without the need to prove who was at fault. However, there are some situations where you may not be able to receive benefits. For example, you won’t receive benefits if the injury is self-inflicted, that occur because of horseplay or fighting, or for an injury that occurs when an employee is under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol.
4. Can You Go to Your Own Doctor?
The answer to this is – it depends. You will have to ask your employer if they require you to go to a specific doctor, or if you can choose who you see. If you must see a doctor selected by your employer, you may be able to change your doctor after a specific amount of time has gone by, or to get a second opinion on your situation. If you see your own doctor, the insurance company may still require you to have a medical exam from one of its doctors.
5. Will You Be Able to Get Your Old Job Back?
If you can physically perform the same work after you have recovered from your injuries, your employer is required to give you the next position that is available. However, they don’t have to fire someone who replaced you to give you the old job back. If you can work another job that is available from your employer, they should put you there.
An Attorney Can Help with Your Workers’ Compensation Case
While the questions and answers here will help you with your workers’ compensation case, one of the best ways to have all your questions answered is by hiring an attorney. If you need this legal expertise, contact Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A. by calling (561) 687-5660.