If you are hurt on the job, you may be worried about the cost of your medical bills, especially if you are off work for a while and not getting paid. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you through the work comp claims process to help you get the money you need.
What Steps Should You Take When You’re Hurt At Work?
After a workplace accident, take these steps to protect your legal rights and support your claim for workers’ compensation benefits:
- Seek treatment for your injuries – Seeking immediate medical treatment is crucial for your health, well-being, and work comp claim. You should be treated at an emergency room or urgent care facility. If the injury doesn’t require emergency treatment, your employer has the right to choose your doctor. Your medical provider will not only offer you the treatment you require, but they will also document your injuries in medical records that will be used as evidence in your case. Be sure to tell the doctor that you suffered your injuries at work so that fact is included in your records.
- Report the injury to your employer– After receiving the medical care you need, report your injury to your employer immediately. In Iowa, you must report the injury within ninety days, or you can lose your eligibility to receive workers’ comp benefits. If your employer creates an internal incident report concerning your injury, request a copy.
- Create a file– If you require ongoing medical treatment, keep the records, bills, and any correspondence from providers that you receive. If a doctor prescribes medication or orders physical therapy, keep the pharmacy receipts and the therapist’s reports. These records could serve as critical evidence.
How Do I Know If I’m Eligible To Receive Workers’ Comp Benefits?
By contacting a workers’ compensation attorney shortly after your workplace injury, you will have a legal advocate throughout the work comp process, including determining whether you are eligible for benefits. Although Iowa workers’ comp law covers most employees, certain workers, including sole proprietors and independent contractors, cannot claim workers’ comp benefits. Your attorney will determine your eligibility, advise you concerning the benefits you can obtain, and help you compile and complete any required paperwork to support your claim.
How Do I Start The Workers’ Comp Process?
The workers’ comp claims process can be intimidating, but a skilled and knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney from Loney & Schueller, LLC will walk you through it. You start the process by reporting your injury to your employer. After you do so, they will file a claim with their workers’ comp insurance company. The claim will include information concerning how the accident occurred and your injuries, so your employer may require you to provide medical documentation. The carrier will review the claim and determine whether they will approve or deny it. If the carrier approves the claim, you will start receiving benefits. However, if they deny it, your attorney can appeal the company’s decision to pursue the benefits you need.
Contact An Iowa Workers’ Comp Attorney Today
At Loney & Schueller, LLC, we understand the stress and uncertainty you may feel after sustaining an injury at work. We can manage the workers’ comp claims process while you recover from your injuries. Contact us to get started with your case in a free, confidential consultation with one of our experienced workers’ comp attorneys, like Eric J. Loney.
