In a perfect world nobody would be injured at work. The world is not perfect, though, and people suffer injuries of all types while carrying out their daily work. If you have suffered an injury big or small while working, then there is no time to waste when in filing for workers’ compensation.
While it is true that according to the law you have a window in which to file for workers’ compensation, it is much more expedient and easier to be approved if you take the following steps immediately – the same day as your accident, if possible.
Keep in mind that while not required, working with an experienced attorney can have the biggest impact on the amount of compensation you receive. They will keep the pressure off you while arguing your claim as effectively as possible.
The day of the accident
When you are injured at work the very first step should be to seek medical attention. Getting a record of your injuries on the books is one of the most important factors of your claim. You have the option to see a doctor of your choice, but you will want to make sure that they accept workers’ compensation as payment.
After seeing the doctor, the next step should be to notify your supervisor of your injury. While you technically have 30 days to report your injuries, it is better to do it as soon as possible. The quicker you make your report the quicker your claim will be processed. If you miss the 30-day window, then you most likely have lost your chance at compensation.
Once your employer has been notified you will need to apply for benefits by filing a workers’ compensation claim. Complete the Employee Claim (C-3) document and submit it to the workers’ compensation board. Once that is complete it will simply be a matter of time before you hear regarding your claim.
Once your claim is processed
It will take up to 2 weeks to receive notification on whether your claim was accepted or not. If it is accepted, you should receive your first benefit check within 18 days of filing and every 2 weeks thereafter. This is the time for you to focus on recovering so you can get back to normal life.
Workers’ compensation is a vital tool for thousands of employees every year, so do not be afraid to make use of this system if you are injured. Virtually all employers are required to carry workers’ comp insurance and it is illegal for them to punish employees for making a claim. Give yourself the best chance to get better – investigate workers’ compensation if you need it.
