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Disclaimer: Due to
the concern of a dear person in my life, I was advised to enclose
the following. I am not a lawyer nor did I consult a lawyer or
the bar association. This is not by any means legal advice,
but only the advice of someone who cares about others getting the
short end of the stick. There is also and amendment
to the article.
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Injured
Workers Check list In 14 Steps
Tammy
Miser
3/13/04
There were 4.7 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported
in 2002*. Many of these cases were preventable but unfortunately
due to personal imperfection and neglect millions families
had to fight in order to live. We are not in control of injuries and
illness but we can show you how to make things run a little smoother after
the fact.
We have gathered 14 important steps in workers comp claims. Just keep
in mind these things should be done immediately. So if you know
anyone that is in a high risk job or has just been injured please give
them this information.
You need to become your own lawyer and expert in your field. The
only way to do this is to keep at least two copies of everything just for
yourself. One copy to work on and one to put away in case your first
is lost or you need a copy for someone else. Document phone calls
and all other correspondences. Read any and all information on the subject,
your state may have specific laws. Then if it comes down to getting
a lawyer you already have all your ducks in a row and he's ready to take
it on.
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Get a copy of the workers' comp report, this way you know that it was
filed.
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Make sure the medical report is fully and properly filled out, it must
contain: full diagnosis of injury, how the injury was related to work,
the treatment course and partial and/or permanent disability ratings.
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Make 3 copies of every report and/or test that you receive
making sure you keep your original for safe keeping.
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Make sure you document any mental disability, such as depression,
resulting from your injury.
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Make sure you know who your claims examiner at the workers’
compensation board is. You are entitled to a rehabilitation social worker
at your workers’ compensation board.
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Make copies of workers’ comp file and itemize things in file.
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Make sure to saves your “notice of decision” letters informing you
of the judge’s decision, how many days to appeal and name of
the judge.
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Make sure you file an application for an administrative hearing with
your state workers’ comp
board, if the insurance company denies you
the benefits.
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Report insurance or employer fraud to the fraud unit at the workers’
compensation board.
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Report medical fraud to the State Office of Professional Medical
Misconduct.
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File a complaint with
your state’s Department of
Insurance, if you think that your insurer acted
improperly.
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File a termination discrimination complaint, if you are fired within
one year or less of filing a claim and feel you have been discriminated
against.
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File a complaint with the
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, if you feel you have been discriminated
against.
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File a complaint
with the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, if you feel you're in an unsafe work
environment.
*Labor
Board
USMWF
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