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Workplace accidents are unfortunate but real. According to national statistics, a workplace accident happens every 7 seconds in the United States. These accidents cause a lot of physical and mental agony for the victims and their families. People hurt in these mishaps can claim workers’ compensation to cover medical and domestic expenses. In this article, we will delve deeper into the process of initiating a claim and help you navigate the legal ecosystem. So, let’s get started!

Anyone hurt on the job can apply for workers’ compensation. Injured workers have a year from the date of the mishap to file a petition for benefit determination. If you live in Maryland, find yourself a good Baltimore workers compensation lawyer to help you navigate the process.

The sooner you notify the supervisor, the sooner the claim process can start. After the complaint has been filed, wounded employees must visit a doctor appointed by the company. The medical practitioner will then assess the extent of the injuries and predict a timeline for when the injured worker can return to the job. Following these guidelines is crucial as any diversion can unnecessarily delay the compensation process.

Common Benefits of Workers’ Compensation Packages

Injured workers are entitled to several benefits depending on the nature of their injuries and the time for which they are unable to work. For starters, workers can claim temporary disability payments to offset the loss of income during the recovery period and cover medical and rehabilitation expenses.

Workers can also claim reimbursement for traveling more than 15 miles for medical appointments. Other benefits include long-term wage replacement and death benefits in case of fatalities. The rules of such incidences vary. An experienced compensation lawyer can help bereaved families seek fair compensation for fatalities at the workplace.

Important Considerations of Filing for Workers’ Compensation

When seeking compensation for a workplace accident, you must remember the following,

Statute of Limitation

The statute of limitation for filing workers’ compensation might vary from state to state. Some states might have a maximum timeframe within which you must initiate a claim. Therefore, if you wish to seek workers’ compensation, it’s essential that you act promptly to ensure your claim is processed within the deadline.

Workers’ Compensation vs Personal Injury Claim

While you are liable to receive workers’ compensation for sustaining injuries at the workplace, the American legal system can be complicated. In some cases, you may have room to seek personal injury benefits. This could significantly impact the amount of compensation and the type of damages covered. You should consider consulting an attorney to figure out the best course of action.

Documenting the Accident

Gather as many documents as you can related to the accident, from medical histories to detailed photographs of your injuries, the machinery involved, and bills and prognoses. You can also gather witness statements from bystanders or coworkers present at the site and share the details with the insurance company.