Suffering a job-related injury or illness can be stressful. Recovery often requires extensive medical care and time away from work. Fortunately, most employees are eligible to receive workers’ compensation to cover the cost of medical bills and provide a portion of lost income. If you were injured at work or were diagnosed with an occupational illness, you must know how to apply for workers’ compensation in Oakwood to receive the benefits you are entitled to. However, you do not have to navigate this process alone. A credible workers’ comp attorney could guide you through the process of filing a claim and handle any issues that may arise.
Employers with three or more employees are typically required to provide workers’ compensation benefits for their workers. Coverage typically begins on your first day of work. If you are a covered employee in Oakwood, it is essential to know how to apply for workers’ compensation benefits.
All employees must report a workplace injury within 30 days to be eligible for benefits. However, it is best to report an injury and fill out any required documentation immediately after an injury occurs. Even if your injury does not initially appear to be severe, you should still report it to your employer if you need to recover benefits later.
Medical treatment will be an important part of establishing the severity of your injury. However, employees must see an approved physician to be eligible for coverage. Employers can often provide a list of approved physicians, or employees might be required to search a database to find an approved physician. It is crucial to seek medical treatment for a workplace injury as soon as possible after the incident.
Specific documents must be submitted with the application. Workers’ compensation benefits can include coverage for medical treatments, travel expenses, and lost wages. Gather all paperwork that documents any costs associated with the injury, including receipts and reports for medical expenses, travel expenses for medical care, and your current wage rate.
To apply for workers’ compensation, employees must fill out and submit Form WC-14 Notice of Claim to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation and the employer’s insurance carrier. Filling out any required paperwork accurately and providing supporting documents is crucial for a successful claim. A seasoned workers’ comp attorney could help you fill out and submit your documents promptly to avoid delays in benefits.
While employees are not required to have a lawyer’s assistance to file a workers’ compensation claim, hiring a lawyer is often recommended. An experienced lawyer in Oakwood could help you understand how to apply for workers’ compensation and support you throughout the legal process.
Although most employees are eligible for workers’ compensation, claims are often denied by an employer’s insurance provider. Without the proper procedure or information, you may not receive benefits and may be required to return to work before fully recovering from your injuries.
The workers’ compensation attorneys at Smith Hulsey Law could help you navigate the state workers’ compensation system and negotiate with insurance providers to ensure you get the benefits you deserve. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how to apply for workers’ compensation in Oakwood.
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