Workers Compensation in Bozeman, MT

You have essential rights under Montana’s workers’ compensation laws. We’ve got the details you need below, whether you’re curious about the process or the benefits.

Imagine the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have a roadmap. You can approach the claims process with confidence and legal help. Start your journey to benefits in Bozeman today!

Workers Compensation Statistics in Bozeman, Montana

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 5,320 nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses in 2020 in Montana. This statistic results in a rate of 3.4 cases per 100 full-time workers. Among these incidents, 79% resulted in days away from work, job transfer, or restriction. The most affected sectors in cities like Bozeman included healthcare, manufacturing, and construction.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Bozeman, Montana?

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.

Employers in Bozeman generally must have workers’ compensation insurance. This coverage extends to various industries and occupations, ensuring workers have access to benefits. The benefits provided under workers’ compensation in Bozeman typically include:

• Medical treatment coverage
• Wage replacement for lost income during recovery
• Vocational rehabilitation services
• Compensation for permanent disability or disfigurement

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 Bozeman, Montana 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 a Bozeman, Montana 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.

Workers in Bozeman have specific time constraints when filing for workers’ compensation. Typically, the statute of limitations is one year from the injury’s occurrence.

Timeline and Other Information

The Department of Labor and Industry gives employers in Bozeman 30 days to respond. Upon approval, injured workers may receive benefits, including temporary disability benefits for up to 500 weeks.

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 Bozeman, Montana Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Bozeman, Montana, 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 Bozemanworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Bozeman, Montana

If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Bozeman, Montana 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!