Workers Compensation in Morgantown, WV
Every year, countless hard-working residents of Morgantown face the jarring reality of workplace injuries. As a result, one question probably dominates your thoughts: How can I secure my financial future?
In Morgantown, you have the right to fair compensation for your work injuries. However, understanding the legalese and navigating through the maze of paperwork may not be your forte. These circumstances are where an expert workers’ compensation lawyer can step in.
Time is of the essence. West Virginia has specific deadlines for reporting injuries and filing claims. Take the first step towards a secure future—reach out for a consultation with a qualified attorney today.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Morgantown, West Virginia
The West Virginia Occupational Health and Safety Survey keeps track of occupational injury statistics. There were 12,800 reports of incidents in 2019 alone. As a result, workers in cities like Morgantown missed 4,600 hours of work.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Morgantown, West Virginia?
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.
It is mandatory for most employers in Morgantown to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Regardless, there are some exemptions. For example, a company with less than three employees does not have this requirement. The benefits you may receive fall into different categories, from temporary total disability to permanent.
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 Morgantown, West Virginia are critical for the 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 Morgantown, West Virginia 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.
Time is a crucial factor when it comes to securing your workers’ compensation benefits in West Virginia. According to state law, you must report your injury to your employer within five days. Although, there are provisions that may extend this period up to two years in certain circumstances. Following the initial report, you have six months to file a formal workers’ compensation claim in Morgantown.
Timeline and Other Information
Generally speaking, approval or denial may take approximately two to three weeks. If approved, benefits for medical expenses can be available relatively quickly. However, wage-loss payments often require additional time for calculation and approval. Morgantown residents may wait up to six weeks or more from their claim’s acceptance.
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 Morgantown, West Virginia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Morgantown, West Virginia, 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 Morgantownworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Morgantown, West Virginia
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Morgantown, West Virginia 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!
