Understanding the Rights Offered Under Workers’ Comp

According to statistics, approximately every 3.4 workers’ comp claims are filed for every 100 employees. In work environments that require manual labor, there’s a high risk of accidents. However, workplace injuries can occur no matter what field you work in.

With that said, if you are someone who has been hurt on the job and you need to file workers’ comp, here is a little bit more information about your rights as an employee.

Workers’ Compensation Rights

Workers’ comp laws differ from state to state. However, there are standard laws and rights that are commonplace across the board. When you are injured on the job, your basic rights include the following:

• The right to file an injury or illness claim
• The right to return to work once you are released by a physician
• The right to visit a doctor to receive medical treatment
• The right to claim disability compensation if you are rendered permanently injured or ill
• The right to disagree with your employer, your employer’s insurance provider, or the workers’ comp court, and the right to appeal any decision made by either of these parties
• The right to legal counsel throughout the workers’ compensation process

In addition to the rights listed above, you can also refuse to do certain things requested by your employer. For instance, if your boss asks you to use your own health insurance to pay for your medical treatments, you do not have to do so.

Also, if your employer asks you not to file a workers’ comp claim, you also have the right to say no. Just keep in mind that during the workers’ comp process, it’s important to follow protocol.

You want to make sure that you are filing your claim within a timely manner, going to your medical treatments as directed by your doctor, and keeping an open line of communication with your employer.

Should You Seek Legal Counsel?

Once you notify your employer of your injury, you have the right to seek legal counsel. Many times, an employer will work with you to ensure that you are well taken care of. But if you want to cover yourself, legal representation helps.

Keep in mind that it is against the law for your employer to harass you in any way during the comp process. If your employer makes it hard for you to exercise your rights, they are subject to penalty. If you notice this type of behavior, call a workers’ comp lawyer immediately!

Understanding the Law for Workers’ Comp

Workers’ comp is for the individuals who need it most. Unfortunately, getting compensation from the employer’s insurance provider is sometimes difficult. If you need to seek legal counsel, be sure to do so.

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