Workers’ compensation is a special insurance that most employers across the United States must maintain to protect themselves and their employees in the event of a workplace accident or work-related illness. Workers’ comp includes medical benefits, which cover the cost of your medical expenses for treating your work-related condition. Workers’ compensation also pays about two-thirds of your regular wages while you are recovering from your work injury or illness. If you suffered lacerations and cuts while you were working, you might wonder if you can claim workers’ compensation benefits. How Does Workers’ Compensation Work? If you have suffered an injury on the job, you must seek medical care in order to file a claim for workers’ compensation. Medical benefits cannot be paid until medical care has been sought. You will need to seek care from an approved medical provider that offers services for your employer’s workers’ compensation claims. Your employer should have a list of these providers in a visible location. If they do not, you should ask your supervisor for the list. Failure to see an approved provider can result in the loss of benefits. You will not receive reimbursement for any missed work unless you have a physician’s note that orders you to be off from work. You must have the supporting documentation that shows your work-related cuts and lacerations are severe enough to keep you from working. If you got lacerations and cuts while working that required medical care and led to a physician ordering you off from work, then you can pursue a workers’ compensation claim for medical benefits and for partial compensation while you are unable to work. Medical benefits are available from your first visit, but your time of work requirements for reimbursement for lost wages vary from one state to another. What to Do After Suffering Lacerations and Cuts at Work If you have suffered a fall or a truck accident at work that resulted in cuts and lacerations, or any other workplace injury that caused such injuries, report them to your supervisor or human resources department. Your employer must complete an accident report. This accident report will help support your claim and help show that your injuries were work-related. You will need to notify your employer that you sought medical care and provide them with any medical excuses from your physician that indicate you are unable to work because of the workplace injuries. Consult With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer If you suffered lacerations and cuts in a workplace accident, you should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. Workers’ compensation claims are challenging, and you need legal guidance to help you through the claims process and to help ensure you access the benefits that you need. There are specific deadlines and detailed documents that must be filed. To get your case on the right track, complete the Free Case Evaluation Form today so a workers’ comp attorney in your area can review your claim. Additional Resources Laceration and Workers' Compensation What Are The Most Common Injuries In WC Cases?
