Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that covers medical expenses and lost wages stemming from work-related accidents or injuries. In exchange for this benefit, employees cannot sue their company for negligence in the event of an injury on the job. If you’re a truck driver, you probably already know how much pressure and harsh requirements are put on drivers by truck companies. It’s not an easy job, and getting the compensation you’re due is always important, but especially if you’re the breadwinner in your family, and there are a few tips that can help you with that.
1. Know If You Meet Qualifications
It’s important to understand that not every injury will mean that you’re qualified for workers’ compensation. As an experienced truck driver injury lawyer in Albany explains, you may qualify for workers’ compensation if you’ve suffered from injuries as a result of strains from lifting heavy objects, stress, and of course, a severe accident. However, it’s important to note that each case is different – the extenuating circumstances can never be the same. Things like the location of your work, whether or not you had proper safety training, your age – all this will factor into the case. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to contact an attorney that specializes in labor law. They can provide you with the information you need, and help you get on your way to receiving the compensation that is due to you.
2. Don’t Delay On Reporting The Injury
Your employer has a legal obligation to make sure you are safe from harm while you work. The moment you become injured, no matter how small or seemingly inconsequential it may be, is the moment you should take action towards reporting it properly to your employer. Delaying this process can be seen as a sign of negligence on your part by your employer, and thus, they may not be as willing to accept the claim. The line of thinking here is, when you’re dealing with an injury, if it’s really bad enough to warrant a claim, you won’t hesitate. If you’ve been injured while working, it’s important to act in a way that will show your employer how diligent and careful you are about the conditions of your workplace. Men are usually taught to just “suck it up” and work through the pain or injuries. However, even if your boss isn’t likely to listen about an injury you received on the job, if you try hard enough you can get them to take action.
3. Follow Up With A Visit To The Doctor
One of the most important parts of filing for workers’ compensation is following up with a visit to the doctor as soon as possible after the injury has occurred. It’s important that if you do follow through on receiving treatment for the injury, you keep detailed records of what was said and done during that visit. This includes everything from the doctor’s diagnosis, to the manner in which your treatment was applied and discussed. This is important for two reasons: first because it will give you a more thorough understanding of what happened and how you should proceed with the filing. Second, it helps to provide documentation as evidence for your claim. It will give your word the weight and benefit of a doctor’s opinion, and so will help you get your claim approved with as little hassle as possible.
4. Establish The Timeline
The extent that your injury will affect you and your family ultimately depends on the severity of the injury. It’s important to understand that if you’re filing for workers’ compensation, it’s important to establish a timeline for how long you’ll be out of work as a result of this injury should your claim be approved. Having a solid timeframe for this will help you in the long run. In addition, by detailing what led to the injury and when it happened, as well as how it will affect your work, you can prove to your employer that the injury was work-related. This will help your claim even more because it shows that there was a true cause and effect between what you were doing on the job and how it affected you afterward.
5. Filing The Claim
Filing a workers’ compensation claim is different for everyone, so it’s important to do your research and take everything you learn with a grain of salt. The biggest piece of advice anyone can give on this matter is that you must be as detailed as possible, without overstepping boundaries or providing too much information. By doing this, you ensure that your claim will be taken seriously, and at the same time, provide just enough evidence for your employer to see that you’re being earnest. Other than that, always make sure that you’re being respectful but still protecting yourself and your rights.
Workers’ compensation is something that can be a very frustrating process. However, if you know what to do and how to go about it, it can help provide the cover you need should you be injured on the job. Remember that workers’ compensation is a state-based system, not governed by federal law. Each state has its own laws regarding eligibility for pay and benefits, so it’s important that you speak with an expert if you find yourself in a situation like this.