Injuries and illnesses happen to everyone at some point or another. However, when they occur due to a condition or incident at work, it can become a more complex issue.
If you find yourself laid up because of a work injury, you may find yourself going through a lot of cash reserves. Since you have responsibilities and bills, you can’t afford to go without a paycheck for too long. During a workers’ compensation claim, will you get a paycheck with any regularity?
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
After getting hurt, you will want to seek medical treatment. Whether you alert your boss before or after the treatment will depend on the circumstances surrounding the event. At some point, you will need to inform the company of the injury, the doctor’s prognosis, and the details of the event. After this, your employer will touch base with their workers’ compensation carrier to file a claim. Once the claims process is started, an adjuster will investigate the details you provided. This process may be short, or it may take some time depending on the nature of the injury and incident.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits During an Investigation
During the investigation, the insurance carrier may start administering benefits. These benefits may first come in the form of medical care. You may have to pay out of pocket for your first few medical trips before the benefits start. Once they do, there is a chance that the insurance carrier will make payments directly to the physician or facility treating you for the injury.
A Disability Finding
If you have to remain out of work for an extended time, you may qualify to receive disability payments from the workers’ compensation carrier. This determination is made only after you have obtained the proper medical treatment and reporting. Some insurance companies may want you to go to an independent medical evaluation or IME. This is an examination by a neutral doctor who will order testing and review medical records to determine if your injury and related treatment are appropriate. Disability determination may be temporary or permanent. You may get paid according to the terms of each of these reports. Temporary disability payments usually occur when you have a chance of making a full recovery from the injury. These continue until the doctor reports that you have reached maximum medical improvement. During this time, you may receive a portion of your salary paid by the insurance company.
Keep in mind that laws for workers’ compensation vary from state to state, so it’s a good idea to consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer, like a workers compensation Attorneys in Milwaukee, WI, for assistance.
Thank you to Hickey & Turim SC for their input into personal injury law.