Workers Compensation in Vancouver, 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 must to carry depends on 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. Learn some of the basic principles of Vancouver, WA workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Washington?

2 of the 3 largest employers in Vancouver, Washington are health care providers. RightPatient states that while healthcare workers are compassionate, they are still susceptible to injury and frequently deal with musculoskeletal problems and back injuries. Infections and cuts also rank high as health care professionals must deal with sharp objects and ill patients on a daily basis.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Vancouver, WA?

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.

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries states that every employee in Washington must have workers comp insurance. This is true even for part-time employees. Workers Comp will provide coverage for medical bills and partial wage replacement if you are unable to return to work in a timely manner. Mental health is also covered in Washington, but only if the issue connects to a single, traumatic event that occurred in the workplace.

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 Vancouver, 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 get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Vancouver, WA 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. Al before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is the result of your work conditions. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.

File a First Report of Injury

The first report 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.

Washington State University provides an overview of the workers comp process, and a timeline for filing your first injury report. If you experience an injury, you need report it to your employer as soon as possible. This is to establish that you were actually injured on the work premises, or while performing a work-related task. After you report your injury you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can cause the injury to get worse. In turn, they will cost more in medical treatments and recovery time. Once you find treatment, it’s wise to ask the physician for 2 copies of the report. Keep 1 copy for yourself, and give one copy to your employer.

Timeline and Other Information

The Washington State Worker’s Rights Manual keeps you up to date on your responsibilities, as well as any changes to the law that will affect you. A new law passed in 2021 allows workers who are being denied compensation illegally the recourse to file a lien against the employer’s property. If you have not received your compensation, or have wages held back, the courts will allow you to seek restitution. An experienced attorney in Vancouver can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you and witnesses about the incident. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.

Why You Should Hire a Vancouver, WA Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Vancouver, Washington, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether your injury happened on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Vancouver workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Vancouver, Washington

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

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