Workers Compensation in Evansville, IN

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 has to carry depends on Indiana 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, insurance should help ease the financial burden. Learn some of the basic principles of Evansville, Indiana workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Evansville, Indiana?

Non-fatal workplace injuries are at a historic low in Indiana. However, Evansville workers are still susceptible to workplace injuries and illnesses. Slips and falls, overexertion, and carpal tunnel syndrome are all very common among Indiana workers. Auto accidents occurring on the job are also quite prevalent. If you have suffered an injury at work in Evansville or developed a work-related illness, you may have an entitlement to benefits under the Indiana Workers’ Compensation Act.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Evansville, Indiana?

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. 

Nearly every employer must carry worker’s compensation insurance, according to the Workers’ Compensation Board of Indiana. Some exemptions exist, such as railroad workers and sole proprietorships, but they are the exception, not the rule. Evansville residents that become injured in the line of their occupation deserve compensation. These financial benefits come in the forms of disability payments, medical treatment, and recovery of lost wages. Mental health is also covered in Evansville, but you must prove the physical injury caused the psychological trauma. Alternatively, a previous condition aggravated by the work environment also qualifies. 

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 Evansville, Indiana 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 Evansville, Indiana healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines. 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. 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 insurance carrier with the details of the events. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, medical treatment, 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’ Compensation of Indiana provides a timeline for filing your injury claim, and why it is so important to act quickly. You should notify your employer immediately if you find an injury or develop symptoms of a work-related illness. Then you should seek medical treatment as soon as it is possible. Taking these actions in a timely manner will establish a concrete timeline of what happened. Also, you can document your proactive steps in addressing the situation. Disputes may arise with your claim, so it is always beneficial to keep copies of your filings and medical records.

Timeline and Other Information

Once an Evansville employer reports your injury, they are required to designate a doctor for medical treatment. But if your situation is an emergency you should go to the nearest hospital. Once your claim receives approval, you will begin receiving a check for lost wages after you have been absent from work for a total of 21 days. Evansville workers are eligible to receive permanent disability payments for a maximum of 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 witnesses. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying benefits while the investigation continues.

Why You Should Hire an Evansville, Indiana Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

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

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Evansville, Indiana

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