Workers Compensation in Great Falls, MT
Montana legislation grants Great Falls workers vital rights and compensation when they suffer injuries. Regardless, you may need legal help to exercise these entitlements.
Start to approach your case with confidence by reading this guide. We can even connect you to a local workers’ compensation lawyer today!
Workers Compensation Statistics in Great Falls, Montana
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Montana recorded 5,320 nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses in 2020. This statistic translates to a rate of 3.4 cases per 100 full-time workers. Of these incidents, 79% led to days away from work, job transfer, or restriction. The sectors most impacted in Great Falls included construction and manufacturing.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Great Falls, 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.
Most organizations with employees in Great Falls should have workers’ compensation coverage. These policies include many benefits, including wage replacement and medical treatment. If necessary, you can also access vocational rehabilitation and compensation for permanent disabilities.
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 Great Falls, Montana are critical for purposes of filing a compensation claim. 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 Great Falls, 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 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.
Employees in Great Falls usually have one year to file for workers’ compensation. However, this timeline can start from a reasonable discovery of an injury later.
Timeline and Other Information
Employers in Great Falls should respond to workers’ comp claims within 30 days. Upon approval, most employees receive up to 500 weeks in benefits.
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 Great Falls, Montana Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Great Falls, 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 Great Fallsworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Great Falls, Montana
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Great Falls, 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!
