What Do I Need To Know About Filing for Workers’ Compensation?
Whether you work on a factory floor or sit at a desk in an office, you can face accidents in your workplace. Getting injured while you’re at work can leave you wondering how you will pay medical bills and cover lost wages. But your Ohio employer must carry workers’ compensation insurance for any injuries that happen while you are on the clock. After an injury at work, it’s important to understand your rights and filing for workers’ compensation.
However, your employer or their insurance company may try to deny their liability for your injury. Going through the process correctly can help ensure you receive your benefits.
Four things to know about filing for workers’ compensation: What Should You Do After Getting Injured at Work?
Here are a few tips for what to do after getting an injury at work:
Make sure your employer knows
The quicker you report your claim, the sooner you can receive benefits and medical treatment. In Ohio, you have one year to file a claim after you notice the injury. Make sure you report your injury to either your supervisor or your human resources department.
The wrong doctor can cause you to lose out on benefits
Unless your injury is an emergency, make sure you know if your company requires a specific hospital for treatment. If you don’t visit that provider, your employer may not cover any medical bills.
Get as much proof of your injury as possible
Make sure your company fills out an incident report for your claim and keep a copy. When you go to the hospital, make sure the medical professionals include all necessary information about your injury, including all body parts that the injury affects.
Horseplay and alcohol or drugs can cause denials
If your injury was a result of inappropriate behavior at work, your employer might refuse to pay you benefits. And many employers will do a drug screen directly after a workplace accident. If they find you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they won’t pay.
When an on-the-job injury leaves you with high medical bills and lost wages, Ohio expects your employer to offer you workers’ compensation. Following the correct procedure can ensure you don’t miss out on the benefits you need.