Saturday, April 11, 2009

Entitled to compensation..?

When you have an accident at work, what will happen? Will you lose your job? Go bankrupt because of high hospital bills? Be forced to take a pay cut while recovering? Many people don't know that when you are injured at work, you are entitled to compensation, including money to pay your health care, hospitalisation, and rehabilitation bills, as well as money to help pay your bills while you're recovering.

Many people who file a personal injury claim will also qualify to receive additional money to compensate them for lost wage earning potential and pain and suffering. The first thing to do when you have an accident at work is to make sure that you notify your supervisor right away. Even if you feel that your injury is minor, make sure to insist that you see a doctor.

In many states, you can see your own personal physician for a work accident; in other states, you will need to see an approved physician. Make sure you notify the doctor that you had an accident at work and that you will be filing an accident claim so that they can make sure to fill out the correct paperwork.

In most locations, even if you have a pre-existing condition that was a factor in your workplace injury, you are still entitled to file a compensation claim and receive compensation. In other words, it doesn't matter what caused your workplace accident –only that it occurred at work. For example, if you have lower back problems and re-injure your back while lifting boxes at work, you are still entitled to compensation, even though you already had a back problem. The next thing to do is to make sure to follow doctor's orders precisely. Fill out all paperwork required by your employer and the doctor. Do not return to work until you are certified to do so by your physician, even if your supervisor pressures you.

Make sure to check with the doctor to see if you will need accommodations before returning to work. These may include help lifting heavy objects, a desk job, half-days, or other accommodations. Finally, you will want to make sure that you obtain legal counsel to help you with your personal injury claim.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/