Many workers across the nation get injured while on the job, requiring them to stay home while recovering. Around 2.7 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses happen per year, requiring employees to take time off from work. Employees can receive workers’ compensation to help them continue receiving pay and other benefits despite their injuries. According to workers comp attorney Fresno, you should have your claim reviewed before you submit it to avoid making errors. If you were denied workers’ compensation benefits, you can file an appeal after having your claim reviewed by an attorney. This will boost your chances of receiving the fair amount of benefits you deserve.
What Makes Your Injury Eligible For Workers’ Compensation?
If you were working when you were injured at your job location, then your injury may be eligible for workers’ compensation. You can also be working at a different location from your job but still on the clock while injured. If you were traveling nationwide or internationally, you can still receive coverage because you are being paid to make a business trip. When you are paid to commute to work or deliver goods and get injured in an accident or some other way, you can also receive workers’ compensation.
Times that you wouldn’t be eligible include if you were intoxicated when injured, for example, drunk or under the influence of illicit drugs. This is considered illegal and against company policy. If you were on the company premises outside of business hours or sneaking into the business, you would also be ineligible. When you break company policy, this can put you at risk of losing workers’ compensation benefits, but you can speak to your attorney to determine if you should be eligible.
What If I’m Denied Benefits Though I’m Technically Eligible?
In some cases, you may be denied benefits due to errors in your application or because of other extenuating circumstances. Your attorney can help you overcome these objections by investigating your case and determining what you should receive in benefits. They can help provide the evidence you need to prove you are owed benefits or should receive additional compensation. Your attorney can represent your claim after you file an appeal and highlight important aspects of your case when explaining to the judge why you deserve additional compensation.
What Are Ways I Can Be Injured?
You can be hurt in a variety of ways, which can include the following:
Mechanical Accidents
When working around heavy machinery, it is important to take extra caution to prevent a fatal injury. It is possible to get caught in the gears or other parts of the machine, leading to gashes and severed wounds. In 2019, 229,410 injuries were caused by equipment and objects that required employees to take time off.
Flying Object Accidents
In unpredictable accidents, objects can shoot out from equipment or tools and accidentally hit you. These can be fatal penetrating injuries that result in internal organ damage. Items can also fall from the ceiling in cases caused by poor maintenance of the building.
Slip and Fall Accidents
When there are uneven and slippery surfaces, you can fall and break bones, get head injuries, and even hurt your back. Slip and fall accidents are one of the most prevalent ways to get wounded.
Faulty Equipment Accidents
If there is malfunctioning equipment, this is the company’s responsibility because all equipment should be regularly inspected before use. Faulty equipment can cause burns, intoxication by fumes, broken bones, severed limbs, burns, and other life-threatening wounds.
Fall From Tall Height
Most construction workers, engineers, and window cleaning company employees have to worry about falling from a tall height. These injuries can be fatal and result in long-lasting damages that prevent an employee from continuing their line of work.
When Should I Speak To An Attorney About My Worker’s Compensation?
It is recommended that you speak to an attorney before you file a workers’ compensation claim; this way, your attorney can review your case and make sure you avoid common errors before submitting your claim. However, if you were denied benefits or received less than you anticipated, you can speak to an attorney. They can review your claim and see if you deserve more benefits, then they will help you appeal your workers’ compensation. The appeal process will require your company and their insurer to be contacted to resolve the issue; if it isn’t resolved, your attorney will represent you at the trial.
