Workers’ compensation insurance r provides medical and financial benefits to workers who sustained injuries at work or developed an occupational illness. Regardless of your professional field, you may be entitled to these benefits.
It is important to understand the kinds of medical problems and benefits that workers’ comp can address. This will help you determine your eligibility to file a claim. You can find out more about your eligibility by hiring a workers’ compensation attorney who is familiar with employee rights and personal injury laws. The best attorney will help you through each step of the claim process and obtain a favorable outcome.
Job Injuries and Illnesses Eligible for Compensation
Professional occupations in Bellevue differ in their risk of worker injuries. Common work-related injuries and conditions you can compensation for include slip and fall injuries, burns, electrocution, injuries that result from repetitive strain, overexertion, injuries because of work equipment, heat strokes, injuries because of building or infrastructure collapse, respiratory disease, loss of a limb, exposure to harmful substances, and others.
While people usually associate claims with serious or life-threatening work injuries, you may bring a claim and be compensated for moderate health problems. But you and your doctor must prove the problem occurred because of your job.
Kinds of Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation benefits are meant to help cover the medical expenses for job-related injuries or other conditions during your recovery. Also, these benefits can temporarily make up for the income you lost. These benefits include medical coverage, drug coverage, personal property replacement, vocational rehab, wage replacement, lifetime pensions, and disability. Through vocational rehabilitation, you can learn new skills if your injury or illness makes it impossible for you to return to your job duties.
Filing a Claim
If you are prepared to file a workers’ comp claim, you can do so with the Department of Labor and Industries, from the office of your treating doctor, or by phone. But you must speak with a skilled lawyer before you start the process to increase your chances of success. To ensure the validity of your claim, your doctor should establish the link between your injury and work duties, evaluate your ability to return to your job duties, and complete an accident report form.
Once the Labor Department receives your claim, you may be asked to see another medical expert they choose for an independent medical exam. This will help avoid mischaracterization or misdiagnosis of your condition.
