5 Things Every Injured Worker Should Know About Workers' Comp
Dec 16, 2022
Workers’ compensation covers any injury that’s job-related. This seems simple enough, but there are lots of nuances as to what qualifies for workers’ compensation benefits. If you slip and fall at a job site or experience a laceration as a result of a working task, you know you qualify.
But, progressive pain that’s caused by your job duties may also fall under workers’ compensation. This includes chronic low back pain because of lifting or tendonitis in your elbow because of repetitive tasks.
The team at Chiropractic, Rehab, and Sports Injuries of Louisville want you to be prepared if you should be injured as a result of workplace duties or while working. We are available to help.
Here’s five things you should know about workers’ compensation.
In Kentucky, you must report your injury within three days of its occurrence. Don’t hesitate reporting or getting treatment. Early intervention helps you avoid any complications from your injury and ensure documentation is accurate for your claim.
If you aren’t sure how to report your injury, talk to your direct manager or human resources department. Your workplace should have a process in place.
It is illegal for an employer to fire you for being injured on the job. You also cannot be demoted or given a pay cut. These actions are against the law, and your employer should be held accountable if they occur.
Don’t compare your claim and benefits to a friend’s or family member’s, especially if they live in another state. Workers’ compensation laws differ state-to-state.
Plus, you don’t know all the details or history of another person’s experience. You can’t know if they filed on time, the details of their injury, or their relationship with a medical provider.
A clear cut case of injury on the job is likely to be accepted readily by your employer. But, less clear injuries, like back pain that develops over time because of lifting duties or carpal tunnel related to data entry, could be denied by your employer. They may argue that these injuries didn’t actually take place because of work, but instead are related to other lifestyle choices.
If you’re struggling with a denied workers’ compensation claim or notice a reduction in benefits, you should consider consulting an attorney. They can help you recoup all benefits due to you, including medical treatment costs and lost wages.
Workers’ compensation is different from the normal healthcare plan that you pay for every month. Your employer buys into a workers’ compensation plan to cover employees when they have on-the-job injuries. This means there may be restrictions as to the providers you can see.
If you come to Chiropractic, Rehab and Sports Injuries of Louisville with a workers’ compensation claim, make sure we are an affiliated practice. We can assist you with that.
Our friendly staff can also help fill out any paperwork and keep track of costs from our office related to your workplace injury.
Dr. Michael Young and the entire team at Chiropractic, Rehab and Sports Injuries of Louisville is ready to help people in Louisville, Kentucky navigate workers’ compensation claims and get the care they need. Just call today or use the online tool to schedule your appointment.