Workers Compensation in Juneau, AK

Injury rates in some industries in Alaska have been as high as 40 per 1,000 workers.

Construction, manufacturing, and other high-risk industries have a notable presence in Juneau. According to the summary table from 2021, nursing or residential care employees suffered the most.

Since employers and insurance carriers have to pay, it is not unusual to experience pushback. These situations call for a legal representative to advocate for your interests. Decide if you need help today by reading this quick guide and connecting with an attorney in our network.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Juneau, Alaska

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 6,700 nonfatal work-related injuries in Alaska in 2020. Over 1,700 of those incidents resulted in an employee taking time away from work. Generally, those at the highest risk worked in manufacturing in Juneau.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Juneau, Alaska?

Unfortunately, applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are crucial.

For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While harm suffered during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would.

The Alaska Workers’ Compensation Act has strict workers’ compensation insurance requirements. Any organization in Juneau with one or more employees must have it. There is only one exception to this rule. Officers with approval from the board of directors can have a waiver from this mandate.

For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand, you 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 Juneau, Alaska are critical. 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 in Juneau, Alaska. Procrastination could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing deadlines. Having a 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.

The symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may attend regular checkups and testing for weeks or months before a doctor finally associates your illness with work. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.

File a First Report of Injury

The first report will provide your employer’s insurance carrier with details about what led up to the injury. You will also provide information about your physical injuries and medical treatments. Consequently, you will benefit from including a copy of the doctor’s report.

The Employee Report of Occupational Injury is due no more than 30 days after your injury or illness began. You must submit a completed form and have your medical provider in Juneau submit a report too. Among other details, you will have to send accurate and honest information about the following:

• The nature of the injury or illness

• How the injury or illness happened

• Witness names and phone numbers

• Attending physician’s name and contact information

Timeline and Other Information

Alaska Statutes set specific timelines for when workers’ compensation payments can begin. First, your employer in Juneau and their insurance carrier have up to three weeks to respond. Moreover, there are no payments for the first three days of your disability. If your recovery takes more than 28 days, you will receive compensation for that lost time.

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. They will also want to meet with any witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation continues.

Why You Should Hire a Juneau, Alaska Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Workers’ compensation claims in Alaska can be straightforward. But, some circumstances can make them difficult. For example, your employer could question whether your injury happened on the clock or on your own time. It is also common for a company to ask questions about the extent of the damage. Hiring a Juneau workers comp lawyer ensures you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Juneau, Alaska

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