| Workers' Compensation
Injured Worker
Frequently Asked Questions:
NEW!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
regarding the requirement for all
workers on construction sites to have workers’ compensation
insurance
(House Bill 07-1366) – effective October 1, 2007
- I have been hurt on the
job, what do I do?
If you experience a life or limb threatening injury on the
job, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room
and then notify your supervisor in writing. A life or limb
threatening injury means an injury that you believe threatens a
portion of your body or your life in such a way that immediate
medical care is needed to prevent your death or serious damage. In
all other instances, notify your employer or supervisor that you
have been injured before obtaining any medical care. All injuries,
no matter how small, should be reported to your employer.
If your
employer has designated a medical provider before or at the time of
the injury, you will be required to see that provider for medical
care. If you choose to seek your own medical care it may result in
nonpayment of medical benefits and you may be liable for your
medical costs. If your employer does not direct you to a medical
provider, you may seek treatment from the provider of your choice.
By law,
you must notify your employer in writing within four working days of
an injury, even if you have advised them verbally. If you do not
report your injury to your employer in writing within four working
days, you may be penalized and lose up to one day's compensation for
each day's delay, provided that your employer has posted a sign
requiring four days' written notice. You may still file a claim for
benefits even if you are late reporting the injury to your employer.
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-
The insurance company has
not responded or has denied my claim. What are my options?
The
insurance company may deny your claim for a variety of reasons.
If this happens, you should contact the insurance company
adjuster to discuss this decision. Sometimes a claim is denied
because the insurance adjuster does not have complete and
accurate information. You may be able to supply important
information to assist the process. An insurance company may also
deny a claim if the adjuster has reason to believe that the
injury is not work related or if it is believed that further
investigation is necessary.
If
the workers' compensation insurance company denies your claim,
you may be responsible for all medical bills associated with the
illness or injury. You may then be eligible for coverage through
your private health care insurance policy. If you feel your
claim has been incorrectly denied, there are several options
available to you. For more information on these options and the
time limits that must be followed, contact the Division of
Workers' Compensation.
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Your employer has the right in the first instance to
designate the medical provider that injured employees must use.
If your employer does not do so at the time of the injury, you
may choose your own medical provider.
After the claim is filed, the insurance company may request that
you be examined by another doctor of its choice, at its expense.
If you do not go to this examination, the insurance company may
ask the Division for permission to stop your benefits.
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