If you have had an accident or injury while at work, then you will likely need to file for workers’ compensation. This is only available if your employer has workers’ compensation insurance and only if your injury happened while on the job. It helps to know what to expect during the process..
The Forms
The first thing you would need to do, after getting medical attention, would be to ask for claim forms from your employer. They should have them available. It’s best to notify your employer, as soon as possible. Waiting any amount of time could actually damage your workers’ compensation case.
You will need to fill out the forms provided to you as soon as possible and submit them properly. Things that you will also need to include are medical bills, proof of lost wages, and proof of other expenses directly connected to your accident or injury. Good documentation is a must, because it makes things much harder to dispute on the side of your employer’s insurance company.
Workers’ Compensation Office
You will need to submit all of the information to your state’s workers’ compensation office. In Maryland, that office is at 8722 Loch Raven Boulevard in Towson, MD. You can find out more about the office at www.iwif.com. You will need to submit your claim and all documentation to that office.
Getting Compensation
The compensation you will receive from workers’ compensation claims can vary. If your injury is relatively minor and you didn’t miss much or any work, then you will likely only receive compensation for your medical bills. However, if your injury is significant enough to make it impossible for you to work for the short or long term, then you could receive wage replacement as well. Generally, the amount you receive will not be the full amount you usually get paid, but a percentage instead. A week or two after your workers’ compensation claim is approved, you should start receiving those wage replacement checks.
None of this will go well, in many cases, if you don’t have legal representation. It is best to always hire an attorney as soon you realize you need to make a claim. There are different reasons why things could become difficult, such as if you don’t make the claim as soon as possible, you were alone when the injury happened, etc. These issues can be difficult and require special attention and knowledge. By hiring a qualified workers’ compensation attorney, you will ensure that your rights are looked after throughout the claim process.
Filing workers’ compensation is something you should handle immediately after your injury. In fact, there are several different ways you need to take action, including getting medical attention, contacting an attorney, and getting the forms to file your claim. Take care of this as soon as possible so that you can get the compensation you need.
