If you were recently injured in an accident while working at Kroger, you would not be the only one, as every year thousands of workers file for workers’ compensation for accidents like yours. Workers’ compensation can help to pay for medical treatment and replace any lost wages while being treated o recovering. Workers’ comp. claims can take a long time to complete and if the correct process is not followed, you may find that your WC claim is denied. It is important to get your claim right in the first place, so you should follow the tips below. They include reporting the accident to your supervisor, seeking the medical treatment you require, keeping all receipts and invoices related to your medical treatment, compiling all the evidence to prove the accident took place at work, speaking to your HR and finally contacting a WC lawyer. 5 Tips for Filing a Claim for Workers’ Comp. at Kroger Filing for workers’ compensation can seem intimidating, especially if it is you have not dealt with the legal process before. Below are the top 5 tips you could follow to make sure your workers’ comp. claim is accepted and fulfilled by Kroger. #Tip 1. Report the Injury Right Away You should report your injury or illness as soon as you can to your supervisor so that there is no delay in receiving your workers’ compensation benefits. The longer you leave it the higher the chance Kroger’s WC insurer will think your accident did not take place at work. #Tip 2. Seek Medical Care The sooner you get the medical treatment you require the easier it will be to link your accident or injury with your employment at Kroger. Insurers will find any excuse to deny a WC claim because they do not believe the accident or illness is work related. You should ask your doctor for a medical report with your diagnosis and your expected recovery time too. #Tip 3. Compile Evidence for Your WC Claim Because you will be dealing with Kroger’s WC insurer you need to get all the evidence together to determine that the accident happened while you were working at Kroger. This could include the copy of your report to your supervisor, eye-witness’ written reports describing the accidents, photos taken at the accident site, photographs retrieved from security cameras and your doctor’s report stating the cause of your injuries. #Tip 4. Save Medical Bills and Lost Wage Reports You need to keep in a safe place all paid and unpaid medical bills as the value of these will be included in your workers’ compensation claim. You will also need to provide the last few pay stubs to show what you were earning before the accident happened. You should receive around two thirds of your normal wages as part of your workers’ compensation claim. #Tip 5. Speak with HR It is important to talk to your HR department as it will provide you with the right forms to complete and if you are lucky file the workers’ compensation claim on your behalf. As soon as you have all the required information in one place you can start your workers’ compensation claim application. The more evidence you have the higher your chance of winning a claim with your first application. You do also have to consider the statute of limitations for filing a workers' compensation claim for your state. The deadline varies but for example California gives up to 12 months for a job-related injury or illness. If you fail to file a workers' compensation claim within 12 months of your injury or illness taking place you may lose your right to file at all. To help improve your chances of winning a successful workers’ compensation claim you may want to work with a WC attorney who will try to win a successful WC claim on your behalf. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation today! *Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Kroger, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation. Additional Resources Do I Need A Lawyer If I Am Hurt Working at Kroger*? How To Appeal Denied Kroger Workers’ Compensation Claim
