Workers Compensation in Indianapolis, 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 is required to carry is governed by 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, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Indianapolis, Indiana workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Indianapolis, Indiana?
The Indiana Department of Labor boasts that non-fatal workplace injuries are at a historic low. However, certain injuries and illnesses still plague the Indianapolis workforce. Injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, stress fractures, and back injuries due to overexertion or improper lifting are all very common. If you have been injured at work in Indianapolis, or developed a work-related illness, you may be entitled to compensation and benefits under The Indiana Workers’ Compensation Act.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Indianapolis, Indiana?
Unfortunately, the application process 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.
The Workers’ Compensation Board of Indiana states that most employers are required to carry worker’s compensation insurance. Some exceptions to this are state and municipal workers, as well as railroad workers. Certain federal employees in Indiana are also exempt. Indianapolis workers’ compensation provides benefits in the form of medical treatment, recovery of lost wages, and disability payments. In addition, you can receive mental health coverage in Indianapolis if the physical injury caused the psychological trauma. Or if the mental health issue is a pre-existing condition you can prove was aggravated by the work environment.
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 Indianapolis, 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 a Indianapolis, Indiana healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the workers’ compensation process. A proper medical report that can detail the extent of the damage and the occurrence 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.
According to Workers’ Compensation of Indiana, the time in which you handle the events after an injury occurs is the most important. You should tell your employer immediately if you become injured 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 more concrete timeline. In case of any disputes that arise in your claim. It is also wise to obtain 2 copies of the doctor’s report after your medical treatment. 1 copy for your employer, and 1 copy for you.
Timeline and Other Information
In Indianapolis after your employer has reported your injury to the Workers’ Compensation Board, they will designate a doctor for medical treatment. But if your situation is an emergency you should go to the nearest hospital. Once your claim has met approval, you will begin receiving a check for lost wages. Typically after you have been absent from work for 21 days. You are eligible to receive permanent disability benefits in Indianapolis 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. Typically about the incident and to 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 Indianapolis, Indiana Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Indianapolis, Indiana, in others, it may be more difficult. You employer might ask if you suffer an injury on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Indianapolis, Indiana workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Indianapolis, Indiana
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Indianapolis, 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!
