When Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Start?
For those filing a Workers’ Compensation claim for the first time, there may be many questions about how the process works, one of which may be, when will I begin receiving benefit payments?
In most states, employers are obligated to pay medical bills for a work-related injury, even if it has only just been filed and not yet processed. As soon as your claim has been accepted by the state, your employer, or your employer’s insurance company, you are then eligible for all other allowable Workers’ Compensation benefits. The benefits you receive depend on your case, such as what kind of injuries you have, how severe they are, and whether you can return to work.
If You Are Injured at Work
If you sustain an injury while on the job, you should immediately notify your employer and seek medical attention from a professional. You do not need to file a Workers’ Compensation claim to see a doctor. You can be treated for your injury and the doctor will document your condition. If you receive medical bills for doctor visits, you can submit copies to your employer or employer’s insurance company to be processed after you file a Workers’ Compensation claim.
Be sure to inform your doctor that you have or will be filing for Workers’ Compensation benefits as the doctor’s office can then bill your employers or the insurance company directly. In most states, even if your claim has not yet been approved, your employer is required to pay medical bills related to a work injury claim. If your claim is later denied, you will not be responsible for medical bills resulting from your work-related injury.
Non-Medical Benefits
Your claim must be accepted before you can start receiving non-medical benefits, such as temporary or permanent disability benefits. You will receive notice about your claim before any checks begin as to whether it has been accepted or denied. If it is denied, you may appeal the decision, but no benefits will be paid unless you win your appeal. Your chances of a successful appeal will be increased greatly if you are represented by an experienced Workers’ Compensation lawyer.
After your claim is accepted, payment of non-medical Workers’ Compensation benefits can only begin when you have shown that you are entitled to them. This means that a doctor must certify you as physically unable to work so that you can receive temporary disability payments. By the same token, when your doctor determines that you are physically capable of resuming work, your employer may stop temporary disability payments. Many employers would like an injured employee to return to work as soon as possible. If you have suffered a work-related injury, you have the right to choose your doctor and receive the benefits you need until you are able to work again.
Highland Park Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Advocate on Behalf of Injured Workers
If you have been injured on the job or your existing benefits are being challenged, you need a Highland Park Workers’ Compensation lawyer who has the knowledge and experience to secure you the maximum compensation allowable for your case. Call the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr today at 732-537-8570 for a free consultation about your case or contact us online. We represent clients in Highland Park, Somerset, New Brunswick, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy and Colonia, New Jersey.
