Workers Compensation in Fargo, ND
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 North Dakota 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 Fargo, ND workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Fargo, North Dakota?
Employers in Fargo, ND don’t report nonfatal occupational injuries to the U.S. Department of Labor, but that doesn’t mean they exist. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that people work in the trade, transportation, and utility industries more than any other type of employment in Cass County. Based on averages for the nation from the U.S. Department of Labor, 89.7 out of every 10,000 those full-time employees reported injuries or illnesses.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Fargo, 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.
Fargo locals can take comfort knowing that any employer who hires an employee, or sends one to work in the state of North Dakota, must carry a policy. However, you must wait seven days before benefits begin unless one of the parties involved contests your assertions. The state will calculate 66% of your salary for the last year and provide it as a weekly wage reimbursement. You will also benefit from medical bills, mileage, and out-of-pocket costs.
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 Fargo, ND 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 Fargo, ND 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.
You have two years from the date of your job-related injury in Fargo to file for workers’ compensation. If your illness or injury happened recently, report the doctor’s findings to your employer within seven days of the event. All parties involved must file a First Report of Injury online with Workforce Safety & Insurance within that time. Weekly benefits for lost wages start at $376 per week, but your salary for the last year and percentage of disability get taken into account. It’s possible to receive as much as 110% of your lost wages with medical coverage, mileage, and out-of-pocket costs included.
Timeline and Other Information
Your workers’ compensation claim begins after the submission of the First Report of Injury. Wage-loss benefits start after missing five or more consecutive days after an incident. Workforce Safety & Insurance will send an Injured Worker Status Letter on occasion to verify you should still receive payments. If it appears that you’re going to have a lifelong battle with the injury or illness, you may apply for permanent benefits. Approval provides ⅓ of your average weekly salary with a cap of $689 per week.
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 Fargo, North Dakota Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Fargo, 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 Fargo workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Fargo, North Dakota
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Fargo, ND 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!
