Workers’ compensation benefits are supposed to provide financial relief if you suffer a work-related injury or illness. However, not all workers injured on the job enjoy these benefits.
A significant number of valid workers’ compensation claims do not get approved for any number of reasons such as mistakes in the paperwork, missing deadlines or not being aware of how the claims process works. If you have been injured at work, here is what you need to know before filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Know the deadlines
In a workers’ compensation claim, the clock starts ticking as soon as you are injured. For instance, you must inform your employer of your workplace accident as soon as possible. You have limited time to make a claim under Ohio law.
Evidence is key
Showing that you were injured while carrying out a work-related duty is crucial. Workers’ comp benefits may not be forthcoming if your injuries happened outside your job. Providing documentation of your accident, such as what you were doing at the time or any witnesses present, will go a long way.
It is also crucial to have medical statements that back your claim. Injuries that do not affect your ability to discharge your usual duties may not be eligible for benefits. Therefore, it is necessary to have a formal statement from a certified doctor showing the extent of your injuries and how they limit your ability to continue working.
You may not succeed at first
As mentioned, even valid claims get denied on various grounds. As such, it is vital that you understand your options, including filing an appeal for a denied claim. To avoid unnecessary delays in getting these benefits, it’s worthwhile to have experienced legal guidance.