If you have been diagnosed with an occupational disease or if you have been injured in a workplace accident, you are eligible to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation includes medical benefits, which cover the cost of your treatment for your work-related injury or illness. Getting the proper medical care is essential for your entire claim. You want to get the right treatment, so your health and recovery will be on track, as well as your workers’ compensation benefits and assuring that you receive the proper compensation for your condition. The Medical Treatment Process For Workers’ Compensation The workers’ compensation claims process is very detailed. Every state sets its own laws, so while benefits are usually close to the same processes, there are some variations in deadlines and the claims filing process. To maximize your benefits, you should seek medical care right away. The first time you notice symptoms of a work-related disease or as soon as you have been involved in a workplace accident, you need to get checked by a medical professional. Getting checked right away can benefit you in two different ways. It can speed up your recovery process and will give your employer less room to allege that the injury or illness is not work-related. For emergencies, you can seek care from the nearest emergency room. If it is not an emergency, you will need to adhere to your state’s laws regarding medical care for a workers’ compensation claim. While a few states let you choose your own medical providers, but other states leave it up to your employer or its workers’ compensation insurance provider to determine which doctors you can choose from for your medical needs. Getting Your Medical Care You will need to check with your employer for a list of approved workers’ compensation medical providers. You should choose a provider from that approved list. Workers’ compensation will cover the costs of your medical treatment for your injury or illness. If you don’t choose a physician from the approved list, you might be left paying the bills yourself. Depending on your state laws, workers’ compensation might cover the cost of transportation to your medical appointments. Some insurers are contracted with transportation services that haul injured workers to and from any medical appointments they have because of their work-related injuries. Consult With A Workers’ Compensation Attorney If you have been hurt while working, you should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney who is licensed in your state. Workers’ compensation claims can be challenging, so make sure you have an attorney who can represent you throughout the claims process. You have nothing to lose. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page, so an attorney in your area can review the details of your case and help you get your claim on the right track. A statute of limitations applies, so don’t wait until it is too late to pursue your claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Additional Resources Can I Include Ambulance Bills in My Workers’ Comp Claim? Workers' Compensation Claims by Injury
