As a workers compensation attorney serving Tennessee for more than thirty years, I’ve seen every type of workers comp claim you can imagine, and I know how important it is to receive compensation after you’ve been injured on the job. However, workers compensation means more than simply asking for money; it can be a complicated process, with no guarantees that you’ll get the amount you deserve.
If you’ve been injured on the job, you need to know each step of filing a claim. There are certain steps you have to take, and certain deadlines you need to meet, to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Don’t worry if you feel overwhelmed by the process; you’re not alone. Many people seeking workers compensation hire a lawyer to help them through these crucial steps.
Read below to find out more about the process of filing these claims so you know exactly what to expect.
Steps to filing a workers compensation claim
1. Immediately get medical attention for your job-related injury
Before anything else, make sure you get the medical care you need. It’s not just the best thing to do for your health, it’s also a critical step in your workers compensation case. You will need to provide solid documentation of your injury when you file a claim. The sooner you see a doctor following your injury, the easier the process will be.
2. Inform your employer about your injury as soon as you can
Some states allow up to two years from the date you realized you were sick or immobilized to inform your employer, while others only allow a few days. Each state has its own procedures for processing. A workers compensation attorney can advise you about certain paperwork and deadlines that must be met.
3. Fill out all of the necessary paperwork
Your employer should provide you with the necessary workers compensation forms to fill out. It’s important to fill these out correctly, in full. Any error can increase your chances of a denial or delay in your claim. The guidance of a workers compensation lawyer can be invaluable in this part of the process. At my law firm, we have helped thousands of clients fill out these claim reports.
4. Be prepared to fight a claim dispute
After you’ve filed the paperwork, if there is no dispute from your employer or the insurance company, it should be approved. Unfortunately, things don’t always go smoothly. Employers often fight these claims because they want to avoid an increase in their insurance rates. In truth, some do whatever they can to stall or stop the process.
It is imperative that you are prepared with sound documentation in case you need to fight a dispute. Keep a record of all medical bills, exams, and other documentation of your injury and treatment.
5. Receive your compensation
If your injury prevents you from working, you should receive checks to cover your lost wages. This usually happens within two weeks of the claim’s approval. Once you return to work, your employer will inform the insurance company to stop sending checks. If you haven’t lost income, you should receive reimbursement for your medical bills.
Your best chance of a successful claim is hiring an attorney you can trust
The steps above may sound simple, but the process is usually anything but. The claim may take a long time to be approved, or your employer or insurer may reject your claim altogether. Your best chance at filing a successful claim and receiving maximum compensation is to hire a workers compensation lawyer you trust.
Contact an experienced workers compensation attorney today for FREE
Our team of workers compensation attorneys have been winning cases for decades. We’ll make sure you get the compensation for your injury you deserve. If you’ve sustained a workplace-related injury, call us today at (901) 327-2100 or contact us online for a FREE consultation. We will answer every question you have, and go over all the details of your case.
Give us a call today to hear how we can help.