You may be eligible for workers’ compensation if you’ve been hurt. These benefits can help cover medical expenses and lost wages.
The key to maximizing your benefits is taking action immediately after the accident. This includes filing a claim and following through with treatment and therapy.
Medical Treatment
You may face many medical bills and lost wages if you’ve suffered a work-related injury. But don’t worry because you can maximize your workers’ compensation benefits with the help of an experienced attorney such as those you can find at sites like thehouseofworkcomp.com.
The first thing you need to do is report your injuries. This can be done by speaking to your employer or filing a claim form.
In addition, you should also keep good records of your treatment. These should include any lab results, imaging tests, and specialist consultations you receive.
Many states require that you choose a physician authorized by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company to treat your injury. However, you can change physicians if you wish.
The best way to ensure you get the most out of your claim is, to be honest about your symptoms and injuries. This includes being specific and consistent with your answers to your doctor, employer, and insurance adjuster.
Lost Wages
Proving lost wages can be difficult, but it’s essential for maximizing your workers’ compensation benefits. In addition to pay stubs, tax returns, and letters from your employer, medical records are valuable evidence of how much you missed work due to your accident.
Workers’ compensation insurance will usually cover a percentage of your lost wages. This payment can help support your family and buy food, clothes, and other necessities.
The amount you receive will depend on how many weeks, months or even years you’ve been out of work due to your injuries. You’ll also be compensated for any financial benefits you would have earned had you not been injured.
You could claim supplemental payments if your injury prevented you from working in another occupation, such as a home care or retail job. This will be determined by a doctor’s recommendation and the results of your medical examination.
Disability Benefits
If you have a work-related injury that leaves you disabled, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation disability benefits. These benefits can help you pay for medical costs, rehabilitative services and lost wages.
When filing a claim, it’s essential to keep accurate records. Make copies of any forms you’ve filled out, medical invoices and receipts for expenses related to the accident.
A sound record-keeping system will help you maximize your claim and get the best settlement possible. It’s also essential to avoid making false statements and exaggerating your injuries or how they occurred.
Whether you’re applying for workers’ compensation or Social Security disability, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working at a job that pays at least minimum wage. It must also prevent you from engaging in “substantial gainful activity.”
Settlements
Workers’ compensation settlements are an opportunity to end a legal dispute without going to court. A skilled workers’ comp attorney can maximize your benefits by negotiating with your employer and insurance company to get you the best possible outcome.
There are two common types of settlements: stipulation agreements and section 32 payments. In a stipulation agreement, you and the insurer agree to your disability rating and how much money you will receive in workers’ comp benefits.
In a section 32 settlement, you renounce some rights in exchange for a one-time payment. This type of settlement can be used in cases where the worker has severe and disabling injuries.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a settlement type. It would help if you were sure that you are getting the maximum compensation for your injury and that you don’t lose any other benefits you are owed.