Workers Compensation in Cheyenne, 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 Cheyenne, Wyoming workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Cheyenne, Wyoming?

According to Wyoming Public Media, Wyoming is the most dangerous state for workers in the U.S. Mining and logging are terribly dangerous, but the most common work-related injuries in Cheyenne come from transportation and auto accidents. In addition, occupational stress injuries and carpal-tunnel syndrome are common work related injuries in Cheyenne. Work-related injuries can be damaging to your quality of life.  If you have been injured in a work-related instance you are entitled to seek compensation.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Cheyenne, 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.

In Cheyenne, every business with one or more employees must purchase workers’ compensation insurance.  It must be purchased through the state fund, according to The Department of Insurance of Wyoming. Private insurance for workers’ comp is not allowed in Wyoming, so it must be purchased through a government entity. Medical benefits in Cheyenne entitle you to treatment, as well as the cost of rehab, and medical equipment. There could also possibly be a reimbursement for gas mileage for traveling to and from relative medical appointments.

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 Cheyenne, 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 Cheyenne, 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 occurs 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.

If you have been injured or contract an occupational illness in Cheyenne you can seek medical and disability benefits. As stated by The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, you should report an injury or illness as soon as possible. Seek medical treatment at the first available opportunity, and if possible, obtain a copy of your medical records to file with your employer. It is also wise to keep a copy for yourself. If any disputes arise with your claim, your prompt action and copies of records can help settle them. Delayed action may only serve to create other issues.

Timeline and Other Information

In Cheyenne, after your report has been received, the Workers’ Compensation Division has 15 days to respond. You will receive an initial review letter, which may ask for medical records and pertinent documents. The Division will offer their Final Determination Letter within 60 days of receiving your first filing. If any benefits are denied, you have a right to a hearing if you disagree.

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 Cheyenne, Wyoming Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

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

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Cheyenne, Wyoming

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