After sustaining a work-related injury, an employee’s first instinct is to seek benefits through their workers’ compensation coverage. If you intend to file a claim, there are many factors to consider, such as eligibility and whether the claim is valid.
You could determine your qualification for coverage based on the injury, its severity and the circumstances relating it to your job. However, proving the claim’s validity may be a more complex matter. You might need to have proof of the following to establish that your claim is valid:
- The injury happened while employed
- Your employment was a contributing factor to your injury or health condition
- The nature of your job or a work incident made your condition worse
- As an employee, you reported your injury or disease in compliance with law-imposed procedures and deadlines
- Your tasks at work increase the risk of injury or illness
Your claim might be invalid if you cannot support one or more of these elements. Still, the outcome could significantly depend on the situation. In some cases, you might receive coverage but obtain minimal benefits because your supporting documents do not reflect the severity of your work-related injury or illness.
Maximizing your workers’ compensation benefits
Your actions immediately after sustaining the injury could be crucial when making a workers’ compensation claim. Delaying the necessary procedures may significantly impact the validity of your claim and supporting evidence.
Additionally, you might require legal advice to navigate the process and determine what documents can support your claim. Consulting an attorney can also help you sort out what medical examinations are appropriate to accurately measure the extent of your injury or illness, potentially maximizing your workers’ compensation benefits.