Workers Compensation in Anchorage, AK

You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer is required to carry is governed by Alaska state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Anchorage, Alaska workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Anchorage, Alaska?

The Commercial Fishing Industry is one of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. In fact, the fatality rate is 23 times higher than that of any other profession. The biggest contributor to this are falls overboard and ships sinking. Other industries with most injuries are mining, construction, manufacturing, and nursing. The City of Anchorage falls under Alaska’s no-fault type of workers’ compensation insurance. This means that even if you are partially or fully to blame for your injury or illness, you can still receive benefits.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Anchorage, Alaska?

Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim. 

The Alaska Department of Labor mandates that every business with more than one employee carry workers’ compensation insurance. However, sole proprietors and executive officers of municipal, religious, and nonprofit corporations are exempt. Workers’ compensation benefits in Anchorage entitle you to coverage of your medical costs, and disability payments. In addition to reemployment training, and possible death benefits. In Alaska, you can receive benefits for mental health injuries. However,  you must prove that they were caused by your workplace in extraordinary and unusual circumstances.

For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.

The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Anchorage, Alaska are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.

Get Medical Attention

After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from an Anchorage, Alaska healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occured is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.

When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.

File a First Report of Injury

The first report of an on the job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.

In Anchorage, you should report your injury to your employer as soon as possible- immediately if you can. This helps establish a solid base of the timeline of events, as well as the seriousness of the injury. You should seek immediate medical treatment for your injury. Also, make sure to bring a copy of the doctors files to add to your report and any future claims. Filing a report quickly will save you time, money, effort, and is in the best interest of everyone involved.

Timeline and Other Information

Your employer is required to submit your claim to their insurance company within 72 hours of filing. After your claim has been submitted the insurer has 10 working days to inform you if they have approved or denied the claim. Temporary disability allows for benefits up to 700 weeks. Permanent disability allows for a lifetime of benefits. Long term disability policies in Anchorage allow you to receive benefits for the rest of your life if you are permanently disabled.

Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point. Typically about the incident and any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.

Why You Should Hire an Anchorage, Alaska Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Anchorage, Alaska, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether you were hurt on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring an workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Anchorage, Alaska

If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Anchorage, Alaska you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them. 

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!