Rogers, AR Workers’ Compensation Benefits Termination Lawyer
Very few things can compare to a devastating injury or illness. The situation can be worse if your injuries happened at your workplace, which could keep you from doing your job and providing support to your family. However, there are ways you can obtain compensation for your work-related injuries. The worker’s compensation system can help you get the financial support you deserve following an accident at work.
If you or a loved one suffered from an occupational injury, Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, may be able to help. To discuss your case in a free, confidential consultation, call our law offices today at (479) 439-1843.
What Coverage Does Workman’s Comp Provides?
In Arkansas, every employer with three or more employees is required to provide Workers’ Compensation coverage. Under this system, any employee who is injured while performing work-related tasks can obtain the benefits offered by workman’s comp. Certain employees do not qualify for workman’s comp, however. For instance, agricultural and domestic workers do not fall under the provisions set forth by the Workers’ Compensation system and are exempted from its benefits. Coverage under this system include:
Medical Bills
Workman’s comp pays for all reasonable and necessary medical care. This means workman’s comp can cover medical care related to your injury and not any other medical service you may want to choose while injured. Types of medical care workman’s comp can cover for work-related injuries include:
- Surgery
- Hospital care
- Physical therapy
- Prescription drugs
- Doctor visits
Keep in mind that you will only obtain coverage for medical care approved by your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurer. If you decide to seek medical attention for your injuries on your own, you may be responsible for such expenses.
Lost Wages
The Workers’ Compensation system can help you obtain payment for your injuries while you are unable to return to work. Typically, an injured worker can receive 2/3 of their average weekly wage. However, the benefits provided by the Workers’ Compensation system are not automatic. A skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced workman’s comp attorney can help you qualify to obtain your benefits following a work-related injury.
Qualifying for Workers’ Compensation
Many people may believe that qualifying for worker’s compensation is easy. While the process may go smoothly for some workers, for others, qualifying for benefits can be a long, confusing and overwhelming process. There are specific steps you must follow in order to obtain your benefits.
For instance, if you were hurt at the workplace, the first thing you should do is report your injury to your employer. This simple yet critical step can make or break your chances of obtaining your benefits. In cases of severe damage, make sure you receive the appropriate medical assistance to prevent further complications.
As soon as you are able, you must provide written notification to your employer. In this notification, you must provide essential information such as the date, location, and type of injury sustained. Any inaccuracies in your statement can hurt your case. Make sure to provide truthful, honest, and accurate information to your employer at all times throughout this process.
Another essential step to qualify for your workman’s comp benefits is getting medical assistance from one of your employer’s list of physicians. Generally, your employer will tell you to get checked by a specific physician of their choice to assess your injuries and determine whether you are able to return to work. Refusing a medical appointment or follow-up can result in the denial of your benefits.
What Happens If My Benefits Are Denied?
Many things can lead to the denial your Workers’ Compensation benefits. For instance, your claim may be rejected because it has been alleged that your injury did not take place within the confines of your workplace. Furthermore, it may be alleged that the condition for which you are trying to obtain compensation was pre-existing. If your claim was denied for these or other reasons, you can file an appeal with the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission.
During the appeals process, you will have the opportunity to present your case before an administrative law judge who will assess both your claim and the insurer’s reasons for the denial. You should make sure to have all relevant documentation supporting your claim on hand for this occasion. A skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced Workers’ Compensation attorney can help you throughout your appeal.
Rogers Workman’s Comp Attorney Offering Free Legal Consultations
Dealing with a work-related injury can be extremely difficult. We understand the difficulties and hardships that follow a devastating injury. That is why Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, dedicates his practice to defending and upholding your rights as an injured worker. For many years we have helped hard-working Arkansans get the compensation they deserve for their losses. To talk to a professional about your case in a free, private consultation, call our law offices today at (479) 439-1843.