How to Qualify for Workers’ Compensation Benefits
The most important factors in evaluating how to qualify for workers’ compensation are where, when, and in what capacity you were working when you were injured. Simply having been injured on the job does not mean you automatically qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
You Have 3 Ways to Find Out How to Qualify for Workers’ Compensation Benefits
1. Check Your Employee Handbook for Workers’ Compensation Eligibility Requirements
As an injured employee, your first point of reference should be the employee handbook from human resources. If your company issued you such a handbook, very often it will contain guidelines for procedures regarding workplace injuries.
2. Consult Your State’s Guidelines on How to Qualify for Workers’ Compensation
Don’t have an employee handbook or still have unanswered questions? Consult the workers’ compensation board for the state where your workplace injury accident occurred. Guidelines vary from state to state, but there are some general factors that can help you determine your eligibility for workers’ compensation. The following questions may help you better understand what the insurance companies will look for:
- Did your injury happen at work while doing your job?
- Was the injury a result of employer negligence?
- Did you immediately report the injury to your supervisor?
- Has the injury limited your ability to perform your job?
- Have you received medical treatments for this injury?
- Do you have medical bills as a result of this injury?
- Have you lost wages as a result of this injury?
- Are you unable to return to work because of your injury?
If you answered “yes” to four or more of these questions you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim.
3. Sign Up for Your Free Workers’ Comp Attorney Consultation by Phone
An attorney experienced in workers’ compensation claims understands how to get you the benefits that you deserve. We can help you find a qualified workers’ comp attorney in your area.
How Long Must You Be Out of Work to Get Paid Time Off?
If you are unable to work for more than seven days you will be eligible for a workers’ compensation claim in most states. The claim will cover the period of time you were unable to work. Generally, if you have been unable to work for a period of time longer than 21 days, the claims process becomes more complex.
It is important to note that the days you are unable to work do not need to be consecutive. Thus, if you miss three days of work one week and five days of work another week due to the same injury you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. If you have a work-related injury that has limited the number of days you are able to perform your job, keep a record of days missed as a result of this injury. When filing your workers’ compensation claim it will be important to document the days you missed as a result of your injury. Furthermore, be sure to alert your employer when you are unable to work as a result of this injury.
You May Qualify for Legal Assistance
Ready to see if you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits? Click the button below to start your free workers’ compensation benefits evaluation online now! Your free, no-obligation evaluation takes less than 2 minutes from start to finish.
