An on-the-job injury can leave you with a sudden loss of income coupled with medical bills and stress. Workers’ compensation benefits were created to protect both employees and employers in the event of a workplace accident that results in an injury.
If you were injured on the job, continue reading to find out everything you need to know when filing a workers’ comp claim in Colorado Springs.
You Need To Report Your Workplace Injury Immediately
You must report your workplace injury immediately. If you fail to report your injury to your employer, it could negatively affect your compensation claim. If you believe your injury was caused by a task that’s not within the scope of your work responsibilities, or you weren’t on duty when it happened, it’s important to speak with an attorney to discuss your options.
It Doesn’t Matter Who Caused the Workplace Accident
With workers’ compensation, you don’t have to prove anyone was at fault for your accident to receive compensation for your injury. The workers’ compensation system is considered no-fault in the U.S.
The amount of compensation you receive is determined by the circumstances of your case and your injury, not your responsibility in causing or failing to prevent the injury. If you were acting carelessly when the accident occurred, it might not affect your case. That said, self-inflicted injuries, injuries sustained while committing a crime, or injuries that occurred while you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol are unlikely to be covered.
You Have To Prove the Injury Was Related to Work
Whether your injury or illness was sudden or the result of repetitive trauma over time, you have to prove that it resulted from work in order to receive workers’ comp benefits. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration considers an illness or injury to be work-related if the work environment contributed to or caused it. These injuries and illnesses may include black lung disease, asbestos exposure, lung cancer, carpal tunnel, and hernias.
While this may seem straightforward, it can be complicated if you experienced an injury or illness away from your primary workplace. Some of these scenarios include work while traveling on the road or at an out-of-the-office meeting. Work-related illnesses and injuries are also difficult to prove as work-related if they occur over a long period of time. In either case, hiring an experienced worker’s compensation attorney can help you secure the maximum amount of compensation for your losses.
Heuser & Heuser Makes Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim Easy!
If you experienced an injury from a workplace accident or you have an illness caused by your work environment, you have rights. At Heuser & Heuser, LLP, we have an experienced team of workers’ comp attorneys who know the ins and outs of the law. We will help you build a strong claim and seek the compensation you deserve. Call 719-520-9909 or fill out the online form to get your free case review. It’s just that easy!
