Construction sites are extremely dangerous environments to work in. Even if an employer is complying with all OSHA safety regulations, there is still so much that can go wrong. Tools and other debris fall off of scaffolding, workers fall into holes or off of roofs, and equipment malfunctions. Luckily, when a worker suffers a serious injury that prevents them from working, they have the option of applying for workers’ compensation in order to pay their bills while they recover.
What workers’ compensation is
The law requires your employer to pay for workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance gives you or any other employee the ability to request payments if you suffer a work-related injury. In most cases, you cannot sue your employer for your injury, because your employer pays for workers’ compensation insurance in exchange for protection from suit.
If you successfully apply, you will be able to receive payments equal to a portion of your regular salary while you recover from your injury. You can also receive reimbursement for your medical bills and medications related to the accident.
The application process
The first thing you should do after your accident is to inform your employer immediately. There is a strict deadline for notifying your employer of injures, and if you miss this deadline, you might not be able to apply for benefits.
Your employer will give you the proper forms to fill out. It is a good idea to hire an attorney to assist you with these forms, since they must be filled out in a specific way and filed according to strict deadlines in order to be effective.
No one should suffer the effects of a workplace accident without the ability to receive a recovery. Workers’ compensation is an important program that ensures that injured workers receive the support they need until they can return to work.