It doesn’t matter how many precautions there are in the workplace. Accidents can still happen. When they do, you need to know what to do.
It isn’t smart to think you’re immune from this happening. There were more than $48 million in workers’ compensation claims paid out in 2018. It’s more common than you think.
If you’ve suffered a back injury at work, there is a process you need to follow. Keep reading to learn the steps you need to take for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
1. Notify Your Company
Before starting the claim process, you need to inform your company that you suffered an injury. Your employer isn’t your enemy in cases like this. They purchase insurance to help when injuries happen.
The process of notifying your workplace differs by location. Many states require you to send notification by writing. It’s smart to do this if you’re unsure about the requirements of your area.
2. See Your Doctor
It doesn’t matter if your injury is small or large. You need to see a doctor or a specialist like NQ Physio in Townsville so you can figure out what’s actually wrong. Back injuries can be tricky, so you may not see the effects of your injury until the future.
You may need to see a company doctor during the claim process. Check with your employer to figure out where you need to have your examination. You can always check with your primary doctor after your initial exam if you want a second opinion.
3. File Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Once you figure out the extent of your injury, it’s time to file your claim. Make sure you don’t wait too long to do this. Most states have limitations on the amount of time you can wait to file a claim.
If you don’t do it in time, you won’t be able to receive any benefits.
Your employer can provide you all the paperwork you need to fill out. Once you finish filling everything out, give it back to your employer. They have a part to fill out themselves.
Once all the paperwork is done, your employer will send it to the insurance company.
4. Receive Your Claim Decision
It won’t take long for you to receive your workers’ compensation decision. The law states that insurance companies can’t drag these decisions out for extended periods. If that happens, you get automatic approval.
If you have a successful claim, you can receive your money in two ways. You can get a lump-sum payment or get a series of payments over time.
If your workplace injury claim is denied, you still have options. You can file an appeal yourself or reach out to a lawyer to help with the process.
Don’t Take a Back Injury at Work Lightly
Don’t just brush off a back injury at work. You never know what hidden injury you’ve suffered when you hurt your back. Follow the steps above so you can get the help you need to get better.
Are you interested in being more productive in the workplace? Head back to our blog for more tips that can help you get ahead in your career.
