How Do I File A Worker’s Compensation Claim?
If you have been injured on the job or have suffered a work-related illness, you are covered by workers’ compensation. It is important to know, however, that your employer and their insurance provider are both invested in keeping your settlement low or denying it altogether. This makes working closely with an experienced Greenwood workers’ compensation attorney at Nicholson, Meredith & Anderson the best course of action.
Workers’ Compensation Coverage
Workers’ compensation coverage is designed to balance the rights of employees with the responsibilities of employers and to streamline claims in the process. As a result, employees who are injured in the course of their work are covered.
The compensation you are entitled to in a workers’ compensation claim, however, is less robust than it would be in a personal injury claim. The basic benefits include the following:
● A specific percentage of your earnings
● Your reasonable and necessary medical expenses
● Disability payments for any permanent partial or permanent total disability you have suffered, after reaching maximum medical improvement
For their part, employers avoid costly and time-consuming personal injury claims that can seriously interfere with business operations. It is not unusual, however, for employers and their insurance providers to do what they can to limit settlements.
Notifying Your Employer
The first order of business after seeking the emergency medical care you need is informing your employer regarding your work-related injuries. The law allows you 90 days from the date you were injured or from the date you discovered or reasonably should have discovered that you suffered a work-related illness to report it. It is in your best interest, however, to inform your employer that you were injured at work sooner rather than later.
Your Employer’s Responsibility
From here, your employer is responsible for filing the initial accident report with their workers’ compensation insurance provider and with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. If they fail to respond accordingly, your trusted workers’ compensation lawyer will take the actions necessary to help ensure your claim moves smoothly forward toward an optimal outcome.
Ultimately, you have two years to file your formal workers’ compensation claim with the Commission. Waiting any longer can leave you without legal recourse, but taking immediate action is always the best approach.
Consulting with a Resourceful Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
After seeking the medical attention you need, the most important step you can take is reaching out for the skilled legal guidance of a formidable workers’ compensation attorney. This helps set the stage for a favorable claim resolution.
Reach out to an Experienced Greenwood Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
The dedicated Greenwood workers’ compensation attorneys at Nicholson, Meredith & Anderson will spare no effort in our pursuit of the compensation that you deserve and need to reach your most complete recovery. We are on your side and here to help, so please don’t delay reaching out by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 864-229-7241 today.