Workers Compensation in Missoula, MT

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 Montana 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 Missoula, MT workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Missoula, Montana?

The Department of Labor and Industry reports that the Montana industry with the highest rate of injury is manufacturing. Additional high-risk industries are transportation, construction, and healthcare. The majority of work-related injuries in Missoula are sprains, strains, and tears. These injuries are most often caused by overexertion, falls, and contact with objects. Statewide, more than half of all workplace injuries are severe enough to require missed or restricted work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most severe injuries occur in the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industry.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Missoula, Montana?

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.

According to the Department of Labor and Industry, all Montana employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. However, there are some limited exceptions for certain industries. When you are injured on the job in Missoula, all necessary and reasonable medical treatment will be covered, as well as some travel expenses. If your injury causes more than 4 days of missed work, you can receive disability compensation for loss of wages.

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 Missoula, MT 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 Missoula, MT 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 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 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.

Employees in Missoula must notify their employer of work-related injuries within 30 days. Either you or your employer must file a claim with the insurance company within one year of the injury.

Timeline and Other Information

The Montana Department of Labor and Industry states that the insurance company has 30 days to accept or deny a claim. Furthermore, if accepted, wage loss benefits must begin within 14 days. Temporary total disability benefits will be paid until you can return to work or your condition is stable. There is a weekly maximum of $849. If you are stable, but still unable to fully work, you may be eligible for permanent disability. For partial disabilities, these benefits can be up to $424 per week for a maximum of 400 weeks. However, permanent total disability benefits can continue for life or until you are eligible for social security benefits.

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 Missoula, Montana Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Missoula, Montana, 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 Missoula workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Missoula, Montana

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

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