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Workers Compensation Eligibility: Who is Eligible and Why

Have you ever skimped on safety rules to get a job done faster? Has a manager ever encouraged or ordered you to do something that wasn’t safe?

If an injury or accident occurs on the job, then what are your options? Do you need to start researching worker’s compensation eligibility requirements? If you’re eligible, then how do you file a claim?

Keep reading to get all the answers to your worker’s compensation questions.

Understanding Workers Compensation Eligibility

Not every work-related injury will get covered under worker’s compensation. So, who can get worker’s compensation? Here are the basic requirements for worker’s compensation:

  • You are an employee of a company that should have worker’s compensation
  • You got injured as a result of job-related duties

If you’re working as an independent contractor, then you aren’t covered. If you got injured away from work, then you also aren’t entitled to compensation.

What does Workman’s comp cover after an on-the-job injury? Here’s an overview of your benefits:

  • Medical bills connected to the injury
  • Any lost wages
  • The cost of ongoing and future medical care
  • Death benefits and funeral expenses

As an employee, you’re entitled to these benefits. Despite that, it’s still complicated to actually receive them.

How Do I File a Claim?

To get your benefits, you have to go through the application process. Your claim must get approved, and you’ll likely need to provide documentation. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Report the accident to a supervisor
  2. Seek out medical care
  3. Get Worker’s compensation forms from your employer
  4. Fill out all applicable information
  5. Submit your forms to your employer’s insurance company.
  6. Submit the same forms to your state’s worker’s compensation agency

New York workers compensation made simple explains you must see an authorized doctor. Ask your employer if you’re unsure who you can see.

The insurance company will begin an investigation as soon as they receive your claim. You will get an answer within a month. Once approved, you’ll start getting your benefits right away.

If you’re applying for worker’s compensation, then you need to know about the deadlines. Applying too late could mean an instant denial of your entire case.

What Happens If My Claim Gets Denied?

Did you receive a discouraging denial letter in the mail? Don’t panic! Insurance companies suggest that almost 70% of denied claims do get approved later. How?

Your letter should detail the reasons why your claim got denied. You maintain the right to appeal a denial and fix the errors in your original claim. If you do this, then your claim will likely get approved.

The only reason you wouldn’t want to appeal is if you got denied over a statute of limitations issue.

Know Your Rights as an Injured Worker

If you have worker’s compensation eligibility questions, then you’ve likely already gotten injured. Your physical recovery needs to be your top priority. Obtaining compensation, though, is also a time-sensitive issue.

Don’t hesitate to seek out a knowledgeable attorney’s advice if you need more help.

Was this advice helpful? Are you looking for more great information to help you live your best life? Come back to our blog on a regular basis for our latest content.

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