Workers Compensation in Bismarck, ND
Workplace discrimination in Bismarck can take many forms, from ageism to racism. You deserve to empower yourself to identify wrongdoing and end it.
If you’re facing workplace discrimination, don’t suffer in silence. Explore your options by reading our guide and consulting a local employment attorney.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Bismarck, North Dakota
In Bismarck, workplace safety and health data shed light on critical issues regarding illnesses and injuries. According to statistics, North Dakota has consistently experienced higher-than-average rates of incidents. The construction and agriculture sectors are particularly affected.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Bismarck, North Dakota?
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.
Every employer in Bismarck must have workers’ compensation insurance. North Dakota operates a monopolistic system for this purpose. As a result, employers must obtain their coverage through the Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI).
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 Bismarck, North Dakota are critical to file a compensation claim. 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 a Bismarck, North Dakota 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 Bismarck, specific timeframes are in place for filing workers’ compensation claims. When an employee gets injured, they must report the injury to their employer within seven days. The clock starts from the accident or when you discover a work-related illness.
Timeline and Other Information
WSI strives to make the initial benefit payments within 14-28 days from when you file the claim. This timeline assumes all necessary documentation and medical reports are in order. However, it’s important to note that this timeline may change due to factors such as the complexity of the injury or disputes.
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 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 a Bismarck, North Dakota Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Bismarck, North Dakota, 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 a Bismarckworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Bismarck, North Dakota
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Bismarck, North Dakota 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!
