Workers Compensation in Lincoln, NE
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 Nebraska 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 Lincoln, Nebraska workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Lincoln, Nebraska?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported over 125,500 incidents of occupational injuries in Nebraska in 2019. As of 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor reports over 185,200 hardworking individuals made up the workforce in Lincoln. Trade, transportation, and utility industries accounted for 32,400 of those jobs alone. Unfortunately, these individuals suffered the second-highest rate of occupational injuries in the state.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Lincoln, Nebraska?
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.
The Workers’ Compensation Act created strict requirements for employers to buy workers’ compensation policies. Any employer in Lincoln with 1 or more employees should carry a policy. A few exemptions exist for independent contractors, sole proprietorships, and federal employees. First responders in the state receive coverage for mental injuries without physical injury. However, anyone else must prove both for this type of coverage.
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 Lincoln, Nebraska 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 Lincoln, Nebraska 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 should report any work-related injury or illness to your employer as soon as you become aware of its existence. After receiving notification, your employer has up to 10 days to submit an Alleged First Report of Injury. In total, Lincoln residents have up to 2 years from the date of the incident to apply for benefits.
Timeline and Other Information
The Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court states that a 30-day waiting period applies after receiving notice of an injury or illness. If your compensation becomes delayed, a 50% penalty may apply in your favor. After approval, approved individuals have several types of privileges available to them. Medical benefits, wage loss compensation, and vocational rehabilitation are available to beneficiaries. If an employee dies due to their injuries in Lincoln, death benefits go to the surviving spouse and children.
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 Lincoln, Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Lincoln, Nebraska, 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 Lincolnworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Lincoln, Nebraska
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Lincoln, Nebraska 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!
