When you’re hurt on the job, you have an opportunity to file a workers’ compensation claim. Opening a claim gives you the right to seek compensation for your injury as well as medical care. You can seek medical care through workers’ compensation immediately following an accident, but you may have to wait a period of time before you can obtain compensation through the program.
Once you’re ready to file a claim, your employer should be willing to help you open the claim and file the documentation. If he or she is not willing to do so, you may wish to work with an ombudsman. An ombudsman provides assistance to you if you’re not represented by an attorney. You might want to start by working with an ombudsman before you decide if it’s time to contact your attorney.
An ombudsman’s purpose is to help you navigate workers’ compensation. However, if you find that your ombudsman is not working with you well or that you are still struggling to get authorization for medical treatments, it may be better to contact your attorney. Your attorney can represent you directly, taking much of the bureaucracy out of the process. Your attorney only has your best interests in mind, giving you the peace of mind that there is someone fighting for you in your corner.
Our website has more about workers’ compensation and what you can do if your claim has been denied or if there are other issues. You need to focus on your health, and your attorney can help you handle your legal affairs while you do.
