Workers Compensation in Medford, OR
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 Oregon 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 Medford, Oregon workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Medford, Oregon?
The U.S. Department of Labor collected data that shows 109,100 full-time civilian workers in Medford in March 2021. Nearly 20,000 earned their living through the trade, utility, and transportation industries. Unfortunately, the accident rate for these occupations reached 4.5 out of 100 back in 2019. Private, state and local employees in Oregon had a rate of occupational illness or injury of 59.1 out of every 1,000. Basically, no matter where you come from in the state, you likely know someone who needed workers’ compensation coverage.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Medford, Oregon?
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.
Most employers in Oregon should carry coverage and hang a Notice of Compliance in a central gathering place. Some exceptions apply for independent contractors, farm laborers, and federal employees. After approval, beneficiaries receive cash compensation for lost wages and medical coverage. You can also take advantage of vocational rehabilitation training if you’re unable to return to your job in Medford.
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 Medford, Oregon 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 Medford, Oregon 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.
If you’re hurt or become sick on the job in Medford, you should report this to your employer as soon as possible. The Report of Job Injury or Illness for is available through the Workers’ Compensation Division. Failure to submit this form as soon as possible may result in a denial of your claim.
Timeline and Other Information
After notifying your employer in Medford, they have 5 days to notify their insurance carrier. From that point, the company has up to 60 days to accept or deny the claim. Additionally, if you become a beneficiary, insurers send a Notice of Acceptance with a list of the medical conditions that you can receive coverage for.
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 Medford, Oregon Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Medford, Oregon, 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 Medfordworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Medford, Oregon
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Medford, Oregon 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!
