You do your job. You clock in each day, and you take care of business, steadily checking items off your to-do list. Then something happens. Maybe some boxes tip over, maybe the package you received was a lot heavier than you expected, maybe a door comes crashing closed at just the wrong time. Before you know it, just another day at the office becomes the day that you are no longer able to work–at least for a while.

So what do you do now?

Once you seek the proper medical attention, you will want to file a workers’ compensation claim. Your employer has coverage that will help alleviate the financial strain that comes along with getting injured on the job.

What does workers’ compensation cover?

It will cover hospital bills, the ambulance ride, and other costs associated with the injury. It also covers a portion of missed wages associated with the injury, any attorney fees you may accrue in the claims process, and provides temporary disability for the time needed to recover from the work-related injury.

What happens after you file a claim?

Once your employer’s insurance company accepts the claim, it will likely offer money to cover medical bills along with a payment plan for the other costs covered. You can choose to accept the insurance company’s offer, or you can press for a lump sum settlement or a larger structured settlement. If you decide to seek a larger settlement, you and your attorney will negotiate with your employer’s insurance company. Your company is kept in the loop, but you would not be engaged in any direct negotiations with your employer.

Your attorney and the insurance company will negotiate, which can result in a compromise amount between their initial offer and the amount you subsequently seek. If you cannot agree on a settlement, you may engage in a workers’ comp hearing in which a judge will decide on the amount to be awarded. This could result in less than the previous offers, but with skilled representation, this is unlikely.

Whatever road your workers’ compensation claim takes, you want to have the best representation you can get. By having a skilled workers comp attorney like Ahlander Injury Law, you can get the settlement you deserve. With the right attorney taking care of your claim, you can focus on getting better.

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides medical and lost wages benefits to employees who are injured while at work. One receives the benefits if they surrender the right to sue the employer for any negligence. Various compensation insurance programs are available based on the company’s risk finance view. [Read more…]