Workers Compensation in Kansas City, KS
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 must carry depends on Kansas 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. Learn some of the basic principles of Kansas City, Kansas workers’ compensation and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Kansas City, Kansas?
Kansas has a much higher occupational and injury rate when compared to the national average, according to the Kansas Department of Labor. This holds especially true when looking at non-fatal occupational injuries. While several states have a higher rate of injury in manufacturing sectors, Kansas has a higher rate of injury in the service sector. Over 20% of workplace injuries in Kansas are due to falls.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Kansas City, Kansas?
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 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.
The Workers Compensation Laws of Kansas state that nearly every employer with a payroll over $20,000 must carry workers’ compensation insurance. There are very few exceptions to this law, but sole proprietorships, partnerships, and certain farmworkers are exempt. Also, mental health is only covered in Kansas City if your mental problems stem directly from the physical injury you incurred at work.
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 Kansas City, Kansas 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 Kansas City, Kansas 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. Once they do, see your human resources representative and 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.
Quickly filing after a workplace incident is incredibly important if you want to receive the full benefits. If you develop symptoms of a work-related illness you should notify your employer immediately. The Kansas Department of Labor states that if you wait longer than 20 days to report your injury, you may not be eligible for full benefits. Next, seek medical treatment as soon as it is possible. Taking these actions in a timely manner will establish a more concrete timeline, in case any disputes that may arise. 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
It’s important to remember that if your situation is an emergency you should go to the nearest hospital. After a Kansas City employer reports your injury to the Workers’ Compensation Board, they will designate a doctor for medical treatment. Once your claim receives approval, you will begin receiving a check for lost wages after you miss 21 days of work. You are eligible to receive benefits in Kansas City that amount to two-thirds of your weekly working wage, capped at $627, 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 Kansas City, Kansas Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Kansas City, Kansas, 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 a Kansas Cityworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Kansas City, Kansas
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Kansas City, Kansas 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!
