Laws concerning workers’ compensation following an on the job injury can be complex, particularly if you are denied these benefits. This article provides a list of frequently asked questions about workers’ compensation issues.
What is workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a set of laws and group of benefits that are there to protect employees so that if they are injured while working, they still have rights. These laws require companies to carry insurance to cover wages, medical expenses, and other necessary costs associated with injuries or illnesses that are a result of work.
What does workers’ compensation provide?
Workers’ compensation provides injured workers with a portion of their salary along with money to cover medical expenses and rehabilitation or retraining costs. Sometimes because of injury or illness, an employee will not be able to return to the same job and therefore will get training to learn new skills to reenter the work force.
If my injury was caused by my employer can I sue them?
Workers’ compensation is there to help protect employers from being sued. If you accept workers’ compensation, then you usually have given up your right to sue unless there was deliberate harm or gross negligence.
If your injury is a result of a third party such as a manufacturer of tools you used, it is possible to bring a lawsuit against them with the right documentation even if you are receiving workers’ compensation.
Can I choose whatever doctor I like for my workers’ compensation injury?
It is important that you only use a doctor that is covered under the disability and workers’ compensation benefits. Make sure that you check with your doctor to make sure that they are in fact covered or you may end up with costs that you will never be reimbursed for.
What do I do if I am denied workers’ compensation benefits?
It is important that you seek out a lawyer to help advise you of your rights. Many will give you a free consultation. The lawyer will want as much information as you can possibly give them about your case. Bring all your documents from the workers’ comp board, your employer, your doctor, hospital, and any other information you think will be pertinent.
What do I need to do if I am injured at work?
You should seek medical attention immediately, and ensure that you tell them how and when the injury happened. If appropriate, take any relevant pictures of your injury, the work area, etc. Make sure you know the deadline for filing papers as this varies in every state and city.
To learn more about your legal entitlements, it is important to speak with skilled automobile accident attorneys, birth injury attorneys, nursing home negligence attorneys, truck accident attorneys, wrongful death attorneys, and personal injury attorneys in Scranton, Pennsylvania.