Workers Compensation

Sometimes an employee is injured (or even killed) as a result of an accident or occupational disease on the job. If this should happen, state laws require that your employer or your employer’s insurance company compensate you or your family. Workers' Compensation is designed to protect workers and their dependents against the hardships from injury or death arising out of the work environment. If you or a loved one is harmed while on the job you may be entitled to the following in a workers' comp case:

• • Weekly benefits while you are temporarily totally disabled and unable to work;
• • Payment of your medical expenses; and
• • Weekly payments or a lump sum payment for partial or total disability resulting from a work-related injury.

If you are injured at work, you should report the injury immediately to your employer. You should also ensure that you receive the medical help that you need. It is important to keep all documentation related to the injury at work in case it is needed down the road for a workers' comp claim.

If an agreement with your employer or his/her insurance company is not reached regarding compensation or support following the accident, then you can file a workers' comp claim with the Industrial Commission. The process of filing a workers' comp claim can be stressful, confusing, and time-consuming. A workers' compensation attorney will be able to help guide you through it.