Injuries can happen unannounced at your workplace. If one of your employees gets injured, they have the right to file a claim. This guide will outline the time frame for managing workers’ compensation claims.
Keep in mind that the timeline involved in handling a workers’ compensation claim process varies according to each state. The onus is often on employers to file the necessary paperwork and keep injured employees informed on the status of their claim. As an employer, you are obligated to adhere to state regulations, such as maintaining the necessary insurance and providing benefits to injured employees as soon as possible.
What Qualifies as a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
If one of your employees suffers a work-related injury, they have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. Generally, these types of injuries lead to an extended absence for your employee. Common examples include one of your employees tripping over something and injuring their leg or lifting a box and injuring their back. Potential long-term illness is another common reason to file a workers’ compensation claim. If one of your employees is injured while performing an offsite task for your business, they also qualify for workers’ compensation.
What Happens When an Employee Files a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
The process of filing a workers’ compensation claim normally starts with the injured employee notifying you, and then you need to follow up with the insurance provider. When discussing the incident with the insurance provider, try to keep your employee informed so that everyone is on the same page regarding the validity of the accident. Even while your employee is receiving medical attention, you should stay in contact with them throughout the entire workers’ compensation claim process.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing Workers’ Compensation?
Generally, your employee should file a claim as soon as possible. It also depends on state laws and regulations. In some states, your employee may have two years to file a claim. In other states, the timeline is only three to six months. Filing outside of these timeframes means that the court will likely reject the claim. It’s very important to pay attention to the statute of limitations. The only scenario in which the statute of limitations does not imply is if your employee does not find out about their injury until a later date. If that occurs, then the statute of limitation will reset. Remember that the timeframe for filing a claim depends on when your employee becomes aware of the injury.
As an employer, you are obligated to give your employee a workers’ compensation claim form shortly after you have been made aware of their injury. Make sure that your employee is also aware of their workers’ compensation rights. You should submit the forms to the insurer as soon as possible. Some of the workers’ compensation laws may be complicated, so make sure to conduct thorough research and speak with someone you trust.
Problems Involved in Filing a Claim
As an employer, you are obligated to carry workers’ compensation insurance. You also have to display pictures that highlight your employee’s rights. The pictures should be in full view of everyone in the workplace. Try to put one of the pictures near a common room where employees are often present. If you are unable to secure coverage, your employees should be notified immediately.
If you refuse to file a claim for your employee, you will find yourself in trouble with the law. Your employee has the option to file an alternative claim with the state division of employment or workforce development. The injured employee may also opt to pursue legal action against you to receive their lost wages and compensation for their medical bills.
The workers’ compensation claim process can be stressful and complicated. At RMS Insurance, we are dedicated to protecting the operations of businesses and their employees. Our comprehensive coverage provides protection against a broad scope of exposures your clients’ businesses and employees face to promote their success and longevity. For more information, contact us today at (888) 359-8390.