Workers' compensation is designed to provide financial and medical benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. It aims to compensate for lost wages, medical expenses, and rehabilitation costs.
At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, we accept workers’ compensation, and we want our patients to have every opportunity to be covered for the care they need.
Here are a few vital steps you can take to ensure that your claim is accepted by your employer’s insurance provider:
1. Report Your Injury Immediately
In the state of Illinois, workers are required by law to report a work-related injury within 45 days. If you wait longer to file your report, your benefits may no longer be available, stopping the progress of your claim in its tracks.
The sooner you can report your injury, the more legitimacy your claim has in the eyes of your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurer. In fact, those who wait to file a report often have their claims denied on the basis that their injury was not documented immediately. Be confident in your claim: if you have any reason to believe an injury you sustained at work (including repetitive motion injuries) will result in you needing medical attention or missing work, report it right away.
It’s a good idea to gather witnesses to testify to your injury. If your compensation comes into a dispute with your employer, it can be helpful to have others who can verify that your injury occurred at work and not elsewhere.
2. Describe Your Accident and Injuries Clearly
During your report, it’s vital that your medical records provide the insurance company with an accurate description of your injury and the accident that caused it -- a vague or inconsistent medical report can potentially lead to your claim being denied.
You can help your healthcare provider create a sufficient report by describing the event and your injury to them in the most precise way you possibly can. While you don’t need an exceptional amount of detail, your conversation with your doctor should clarify exactly what happened, and that it happened at work. It’s also important to ensure that your testimony to your doctor is the same as your testimony to your employers at the time of the report, and to anyone else who asks what happened during your workplace injury.
3. Seek Medical Treatment Right Away
Seeking medical care for a workplace injury as quickly as possible is important for a number of reasons, but primarily for your health. Many of the injuries you can sustain at work can become worse as they progress, potentially leading to greater pain, more invasive treatment solutions, and more time missed at work.
However, consulting a healthcare professional immediately is also a vital step in filing a successful Workers’ Compensation claim. As we’ve stated, the longer you wait, the more likely it is that your employer’s insurance company may deny your claim -- if it is determined that you weren’t injured seriously enough to seek treatment, your eligibility for compensation may easily be called into question.
It’s also important to keep all of your appointments whenever possible. Your reliability as a patient will be taken into account by the company responsible for both accepting your claim and maintaining your benefits. Missed appointments can indicate that your injury has healed, or that you are no longer in need of your Workers’ Compensation.
What Is The Workers Compensation Process
The workers' compensation process is a system that offers financial and medical benefits to employees who experience work-related injuries or illnesses. While the specific steps may vary by jurisdiction, the process generally includes the following:
1. Report The Injury
The first step is to report the injury or illness to your employer as soon as possible. This should be done within the designated timeframe specified by the jurisdiction's workers' compensation laws.
2. Seek Medical Treatment
After reporting the injury, seek medical treatment from an authorized healthcare provider. It is important to document your injuries and follow the recommended treatment plan.
3. Notify Employer
Inform your employer about the nature of your injury or illness, including details of how it occurred. Provide them with any necessary documentation, such as medical reports or accident reports.
4. File a Claim
Depending on the jurisdiction, you may need to complete a claim form provided by your employer or the workers' compensation board. This form typically requires information about the injury, the body parts affected, medical treatment received, and other relevant details.
5. Claim Review
Once the claim is submitted, it will be reviewed by the workers' compensation board or the insurance provider. They will assess the claim's validity, review supporting documentation, and investigate if necessary.
6. Benefits Determination
After reviewing the claim, the workers' compensation board or insurer will determine the benefits to be provided. This can include wage replacement for lost income, coverage for medical expenses, and rehabilitation services.
7. Benefit Disbursement
If the claim is approved, the benefits will be disbursed according to the predetermined schedule and guidelines set by the jurisdiction's workers' compensation laws.
8. Ongoing Communication and Compliance
Throughout the process, it is important to maintain open communication with your employer, healthcare providers, and the workers' compensation board or insurer. Attend all required medical appointments and comply with any additional requests or requirements.
Get the Help You Need for Workers' Compensation Claims and Injuries
If you have any questions about filing your claim, or you need medical attention for work-related injuries, the team at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists is here to help. Our Workers’ Compensation department is dedicated to assisting patients through this process, and our Schaumburg location offers a work conditioning program which is designed to safely return the injured worker to full-duty work following the completion of their acute therapy.
The team at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists has a dedicated workers’ compensation department and can be reached directly at (847) 285-4220, or by completing a Request an Appointment form on our website at www.barringtonortho.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still file a workers' compensation claim if I didn't report the injury immediately?
It is always recommended to report the injury as soon as possible. However, if you have a valid reason for the delay, such as being unaware of the severity of the injury at the time, consult with an attorney to understand your options.
What should I do if my workers' compensation claim is denied?
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Consult with an attorney specializing in workers' compensation to guide you through the appeals process and help strengthen your case.
What happens if I am unable to work due to my work-related injury?
If you are unable to work due to a work-related injury, workers' compensation benefits may provide temporary disability benefits to replace a portion of your lost wages. Consult with an attorney to understand the specific benefits available in your case.
Can I be fired for filing a workers' compensation claim?
It is illegal for an employer to fire or retaliate against an employee for filing a workers' compensation claim. If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated or faced retaliation, consult with an attorney specializing in employment law to protect your rights.
Can I request a copy of the completed workers' compensation form for my records?
Yes, you can request a copy of the completed form for your records. It is important to keep a record of all documentation related to your work-related injury. Reach out to your employer or the workers' compensation authority handling your claim and ask for a copy. Having a copy of the completed form will help you track the progress of your claim and serve as a reference in case of any future issues or disputes.
What are some common rehabilitation strategies for restoring function in the affected body part after a work-related injury?
Rehabilitation strategies for restoring function after a work-related injury can vary based on the specific injury and individual needs. Common approaches include physical therapy exercises, occupational therapy interventions, assistive devices, pain management techniques, and gradual return-to-work programs. Consulting with a rehabilitation specialist is crucial to develop a personalized plan for your situation.
