On the job injuries can have devastating impacts for workers.
In an instant, an employee can go from being a healthy, productive worker, to being in significant pain and unable to work.
While an employee's first thoughts may be to get medical treatment or want to know how quickly they can get back to work, there are certain responsibilities they must adhere to be in compliance with the law.
Following a work injury, employees must immediately it, or as soon as possible after the accident.
If the injury is not reported within the prescribed period, the workers compensation claim may be rejected.
Forms required to initialize the claim must be filled out promptly and returned to the appropriate insurance company or state agency.
Employees who need medical treatment after a work injury must inform their health care provided that their injury occurred on the job.
The medical provider will then bill the workers compensation insurer or state agency who administers claims for the treatment.
If the employee's injury is substantial enough to require time loss from work, the time loss must be authorized by a health care provider.
In most states, there is a two week waiting period after the incident until the injured worker can receive time loss benefits.
Thereafter, the injured worker must keep and attend all scheduled appointments.
They must also keep in contact with their workers compensation claims adjuster and employer.
The injured worker must also read all letters and notices received regarding their claim and keep copies all letters sent and received.
Once the injured worker has been cleared to return to work by their health care provider, they must contact their employer immediately.
If an employee has a permanent injury, they may qualify for vocational assistance with job retraining and placement.
It is typically in everyone's best interest for the injured employee to get back to work as soon as possible.
Returning to work speed can speed the injured employee's recovery and reduces the financial impact on the worker, the employer, and the workers compensation insurance system.
Even if the injured employee is unable to get back to their job right away following the accident, the employer may be able to find light duty work for which they are qualified, thus relieving the strain of an employee injury for all.
In an instant, an employee can go from being a healthy, productive worker, to being in significant pain and unable to work.
While an employee's first thoughts may be to get medical treatment or want to know how quickly they can get back to work, there are certain responsibilities they must adhere to be in compliance with the law.
Following a work injury, employees must immediately it, or as soon as possible after the accident.
If the injury is not reported within the prescribed period, the workers compensation claim may be rejected.
Forms required to initialize the claim must be filled out promptly and returned to the appropriate insurance company or state agency.
Employees who need medical treatment after a work injury must inform their health care provided that their injury occurred on the job.
The medical provider will then bill the workers compensation insurer or state agency who administers claims for the treatment.
If the employee's injury is substantial enough to require time loss from work, the time loss must be authorized by a health care provider.
In most states, there is a two week waiting period after the incident until the injured worker can receive time loss benefits.
Thereafter, the injured worker must keep and attend all scheduled appointments.
They must also keep in contact with their workers compensation claims adjuster and employer.
The injured worker must also read all letters and notices received regarding their claim and keep copies all letters sent and received.
Once the injured worker has been cleared to return to work by their health care provider, they must contact their employer immediately.
If an employee has a permanent injury, they may qualify for vocational assistance with job retraining and placement.
It is typically in everyone's best interest for the injured employee to get back to work as soon as possible.
Returning to work speed can speed the injured employee's recovery and reduces the financial impact on the worker, the employer, and the workers compensation insurance system.
Even if the injured employee is unable to get back to their job right away following the accident, the employer may be able to find light duty work for which they are qualified, thus relieving the strain of an employee injury for all.
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