Working as a security guard introduces several dangerous elements that include suffering from injuries caused by an altercation with an intruder. There are also dozens of potentially harmful accidents waiting to happen. From slipping on stairs leading outdoors to falling against a plate glass window, security guards work one of the highest risk jobs. Fortunately, if you are a security guard and you received one or more injuries while on the job, you might qualify for workers’ compensation insurance. Created to act as a safety net for vulnerable employees, workers’ compensation has transformed into the ideal way workers recover money lost because of high medical bills and days, if not weeks away from work. Think of workers’ compensation as a type of insurance that replaces wages and covers the cost of healthcare. What You Do Before You File a Claim You cannot get sick or injured on the job and expect your employer to pay a workers’ compensation claim, if you do not inform your employer about the incident that caused the illness or injury. Unless you have an urgent medical emergency, you need to explain to your employer exactly what happened. The more details you provide, the more accurate your claim. After reaching out to your supervisor, then it is time to seek medical attention. Your employer might even arrange a ride for you to receive medical attention.After you collect every medical document associated with your claim, the time has come to fill out the proper forms. Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim Each state has established rules and procedures regarding the completion of a workers’ compensation claim. Working with a state licensed workers’ compensation attorney ensures you fill out all the correct forms. The details of the incident typically represent one of the most important sections of a workers’ comp claim. Not only do you have to describe how the incident unfolded, it is also a good idea to add witness accounts the boost your claim. Medical documents not only prove you received a diagnosis and treatment, the paperwork also can be helpful connecting your injuries with a specific type of workplace accident. For example, a wound that results from an altercation is commonly associated with a dangerous job like a security guard. After Sending Your Claim Your employer’s insurance company should launch a comprehensive investigation of your claim within a few days of receiving all the appropriate paperwork. Companies pay insurance companies to limit the amount of money that is paid out to settle a wide variety of claims, including claims that involve workers’ compensation. You can expect your employer’s insurer to look closely for holes in your claim. Two of the biggest holes concern healthcare issues. Many companies have networks of healthcare specialists that treat employees for a wide range of conditions. Not only do you have to inform your employer about an illness or an injury, you also have to visit the healthcare provider suggested by your employer. Failing to visit an approved healthcare provider can result in a denied claim. Another way to lose out on workers’ compensation benefits is trying to recoup healthcare costs for services you never used. Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer An attorney who specializes workers’ compensation cases is much more than someone that double checks your claim for accuracy. He or she is also your most forceful advocate by monitoring the progress of your workers’ compensation claim. Schedule a free initial consultation today with a lawyer who has amassed an impressive record handling workers’ compensation cases. Additional Resources What Might My WC Claim as an Injured Security Be Worth? Security Guards and Workers Compensation
