Workers Compensation in Casper, WY

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 Wyoming 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 Casper, Wyoming workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Casper, Wyoming?

The Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses for Wyoming reported 1,980 work-related injuries in 2019. An average of 3.4 per 100 workers experienced a work-related incident that required medical attention. As of April 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor calculates that Casper had 41,300 full-time workers in the civilian labor force. If roughly the same rate continued, over 1,400 hardworking individuals in the area file for workers’ compensation each year.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Casper, Wyoming?

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.

Any employer in Casper with 1 or more employees should carry coverage through the Wyoming Insurance Department. The state does not allow private insurance, so organizations must buy their policies through the state program. Approved beneficiaries can take advantage of the following types of services and coverage:

  • Cash payments to cover lost wages
  • Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses like mileage
  • Coverage for medical treatment related to the occupational illness or injury

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 Casper, Wyoming 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 Casper, Wyoming 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 occurred 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.

After approval, workers’ compensation beneficiaries have to wait 3 days before receiving benefits. If your illness or injury keeps you away from work for longer than 8 days, that waiting period becomes reimbursed in the following payment.

Timeline and Other Information

The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services should respond to workers’ compensation claims in 15 days. Within 60 days of filing, the department sends a Final Determination Letter that explains your benefits. Casper residents that receive a denial during this time have legal options to oppose the determination in court.

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 Casper, Wyoming Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

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

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Casper, Wyoming

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

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