We’ve discussed, at length, the importance of employees seeking compensation– and employers assisting– when hurt at work. We have listed many valuable resources and workers compensation lawyers in Palm Beach, Elizabeth NJ and other parts of the country. In difficult situations, nothing can take the place of sound legal advice from a qualified professional. While we are not licensed workers compensation lawyers in Palm Beach– or any part of the country, we can offer these brief, basic facts to help you with your cause, should you become involved in a workers compensation matter:
- All states have workers comp laws- If you are hurt at work, you are more than likely entitled to compensation no matter where you live and work. Even if your boss tells you you do not have a case, your boss is probably not a legal expert and most certainly looking out for his or her best interest. It is always good to get an opinion from a legal professional about whether you are entitled to benefits.
- The employer’s role does not end once workers’ comp is paid.- If you are an employer looking to keep workers safe, this tip is for you. There are many helpful employers who will see to it that their workers receive immediate treatment and file all the correct forms. While this is the right thing to do, it is not the end of your duties as an employer. According to a 2009 study, 86% of companies have a return to work program. Calling to check in with your injured employee, and helping him/her get back to work, can assist your employee in physical and psychological healing. This, in turn saves money in benefit payments and keeps your future cost of insurance down. If your employee returns to work, you will be paying him or her for productivity, rather than paying benefits for lost productivity, so your company’s money is better invested.
- Time is of the essence- This tip goes for employees, employers and insurance claims adjusters. For employees hurt at work there is a statute of limitations on filing a claim, and even if you can prove that you were hurt at work your company’s insurance provider may no longer have to pay. If your boss tells you to wait, don’t. Talk to a trusted workers comp attorney in Palm Beach or your respective state. The Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt are a fine example of a Florida firm helping injured workers obtain benefits. If you are an insurance claims adjuster, you may think that you can ignore an injured worker and he or she may “just go away,” but if you delay in helping, the cost of settlement may increase over time, as newer, more expensive medications and treatments become available. You may also have to pay additional costs as the employee’s condition worsens. The best time to act, for all parties involved, is now.
These words of advice are just the tip of the iceberg. We aim to offer more on our blog soon but in truth, nothing can supplant the advice of a legal professional, like these West Palm Beach workers compensation lawyers. We suggest learning the correct protocol and taking action the minute an incident occurs at your place of business.