Workers Compensation in Louisville, KY
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 Kentucky 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 Louisville, KY workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Louisville, Kentucky?
The U.S. Bureau of Statistics says that almost one in four people in Louisville work in transportation, trade, and utilities. According to the Department of Labor, 3.8 out of every 100 reported a job-related illness or injury to the state. A sobering fact for sure, but you also need to know that over 93,000 locals working in education and health services experienced the same incident rate in their jobs. Using that data, Louisville filed around 18,800 claims in 2019 for those industries alone.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Louisville, Kentucky?
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.
Some exceptions apply for independent contractors or a shortlist of professions, but anyone with one or more employees in Louisville must have workers’ compensation coverage. Benefits can include a weekly payment equivalent to ⅔ of your annual salary to help you and your family during a difficult time. Out-of-pocket expenses, mileage, and other services associated with your recovery are also available to you.
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 Louisville, KY 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 Louisville, KY healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines. Ones that are critical 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. All 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.
The statute of limitations for workers’ compensation in Louisville is two years from the occurrence of the illness or injury. Extensions do exist for cases where your employer files incorrectly or you are exposed to HIV/AIDS. As soon as you know that something is wrong, find medical help and inform your supervisor at work. Your employer must file a First Report of Injury with the state ten days after being advised of the incident.
Timeline and Other Information
Louisville locals have to wait seven days before receiving workers’ compensation payments and benefits. If your injury or illness keeps you from work longer than two weeks, you will also receive compensation for the waiting period. Benefits include vocational rehabilitation services and medical coverage for up to 754 weeks from the qualifying event. The weekly reimbursement for lost wages depends on your salary for the last year. But you can expect anywhere from $178 to $979.
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 Louisville, Kentucky Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Louisville, Kentucky, 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 Louisville workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Louisville, Kentucky
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Louisville, KY 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!
