If you are an employee, regardless of whether you work part-time or full-time, you are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Most employers must maintain the special insurance coverage for their workers. This coverage is valid regardless of the shift or hours that the employee is working, which means a part-time employee has access to the same benefits that a full-time employee could access after a work-related accident or the diagnosis of an occupational disease. Every state does set its own laws regarding workers’ compensation, but the benefits in general are pretty much similar across the board. What Kinds Of Benefits Are Offered Through Workers’ Compensation? When a workers’ compensation claim is filed, the worker has access to specific benefits that are provided through the special insurance program. Medical benefits are offered through workers’ compensation. With these benefits, the cost of treating your occupational disease or work-related injury will be covered. You will need to choose a physician from the approved list of workers’ compensation medical providers, which should be posted in a conspicuous place in your place of work. In addition, a portion of your lost wages should be covered. Usually, you will receive two-thirds of your regular pay up to the state maximum allowed. You will be paid for time off for your illness or injury, but the time off must be ordered in writing from the treating physician. Pursuing A Claim While the claims process can vary slightly from one state to another, you will need to notify your employer right away of your injury or of your diagnosis of an occupational disease. An accident report must be completed. You will have to give a detailed account of the incident, not only detailing the accident, but specifically how you were injured as well. Make sure your employer is aware of any witnesses as well, as they will need to give statements. You should get a copy of the completed accident report for your records. Keep copies of any medical excuses for work, document missed work and lost wages, and keep copies of all medical records. Sometimes legitimate workers’ compensation claims are denied or there are situations where benefits are stopped with little or no warning. In these situations, an appeal must be filed. Consult With A Workers’ Compensation Lawyer If you have suffered a workplace injury or you have been diagnosed with an occupational disease, you should consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer. A lawyer can help you through the entire process, from filing the initial claim to handling any appeals. A workplace injury lawyer will help you get your claim on the right track and will increase your odds of getting access to the benefits that you need in such situations. Workers’ comp lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose. To get your claim on the right track, complete the Free Case Evaluation Form, so a workers’ compensation attorney in your area can review the details of your case and determine how to proceed. Additional Resources Can I File A Claim If I Am A Walmart* Part-Time Employee? How Long Could I Receive Workers’ Compensation? Workers’ Compensation Insurance Companies
