Workers Compensation in Tacoma, WA
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 Washington 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 Tacoma, WA workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Tacoma, Washington?
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that over 54,700 unsung heroes in Tacoma worked in education and health services as of December 2020. According to data published by the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, the rate of occupational incidents for teachers and nurses occurred at a rate of 4.6 out of every 100. If we apply the average for the state to the number of locals, approximately 25,160 people in one industry experienced a work-related incident. It should come as no surprise that claims to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries cost an average of $10,157 for every type of employer in 2019.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Tacoma, Washington?
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.
Unless you have one of the handfuls of exemptions from the state, your employer in Tacoma must have workers’ compensation insurance. The law requires organizations to purchase coverage through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Your medical bills related to the injury or illness are covered, and you can take advantage of vocational rehabilitation. To cover your lost wages, the state calculates 60% to 75% of your annual salary and provides that amount in weekly payments.
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 Tacoma, WA 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 suffer an injury, or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Tacoma, WA healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines. Some of which 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.
After you’ve received medical attention, tell your supervisor about your condition and how it happened at work. The statute of limitations to file for workers’ compensation is one year from the date of the incident. So, it’s in your best interest to act right away. If hospitalization is required, your employer is obligated to file an Employer’s Report of Accident within eight hours of the incident. If someone loses an eye or limb, the law says that an organization has to contact the state 24 hours from the event.
Timeline and Other Information
Since workers’ compensation is run by the State of Washington, everything happens according to their timeline. At first, you have to wait the mandatory three days before receiving compensation for lost wages and medical bills. State law allows you to stay on temporary disability for as long as necessary to recover from work-related illness or injuries. If you receive a denial of your claim, you have to file an appeal within 60 days of the decision. That time is limited to 20 days when Labors & Industries demand that you repay benefits to a medical provider.
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 Tacoma, Washington Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Tacoma, Washington, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may ask if you suffer an injury on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Tacoma workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Tacoma, Washington
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Tacoma, WA 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!
