No one wants to wish a workplace accident on anyone but unfortunately such events do happen. When you are struck down by an unintended workplace injury you may not only lose your income while you recover but have medical bills to pay too. Fortunately, almost all employers in Indiana must take out workers’ compensation insurance to cover their employees. It’s a no-fault system, which means all employees are covered regardless of who caused the accident. There are sometimes times when a workers’ compensation claim is denied and the employee is forced to file a personal injury claim instead. Whichever one you intend to pursue you should contact an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer who will take the right steps under Indiana law to pursue the claim you are most likely to win. Choosing a Workers’ Comp. Attorney in Indianapolis Whether you need a workers’ compensation lawyer in Indianapolis or a personal injury lawyer you must choose one who is fully licensed in Indianapolis to take on the task. There are 50 to choose from in Indianapolis and before you go ahead and hire one you should ask what their recent experience is in the area you need them for. This gives you the assurance that your workers’ compensation claim or personal injury claim is likely to be successful. Workplace Injuries in Indianapolis Even the safest workplaces have accidents but there are some workplaces that are not as safe as others. In Indianapolis, these are in transportation and the construction industry, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics*. Transportation involves a variety of different vehicles from 18 wheelers to smaller delivery trucks. All are vulnerable to accidents as they are often out on the broad in Indianapolis 24/7. Sometimes, defects in the vehicles such as faulty brakes cause accidents while other times the driver may be driving too fast for road conditions and end up in an accident. Indianapolis has many construction sites which are not always well organized with common accidents often involving loads falling off cranes and heavy equipment accidentally hitting a worker. If you are injured in any of these situations a workers’ compensation lawyer in Indianapolis will be able to assist you to get the compensation you deserve. If you are not eligible for WC he or she will work on your behalf to file the appropriate personal injury claim. The Workers’ Compensation Process in Indianapolis In Indianapolis a workers’ comp. claim is usually automatic but there is a time limit of 12 months from the date of the accident by which you should have submitted your claim. There is still a time limit of 12 months from the date of the accident which you have to file the claim. The Worker's Compensation Board of Indiana is responsible for handling anything to do with workers’ compensation and it has a live chat facility on its website and much of its work is carried out either online or by phone. If you need to file a personal injury claim, you are given 2 years from the date of the accident to do so. Your personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis will use the Marion County Court for this claim which can be found at Suite W122, 200 E. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 4620. Its opening times are 8am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Use a Free Claim Evaluation to Find a Suitable Attorney As soon as you have made the decision as to which compensation claim you wish to pursue the right Indianapolis workers’ compensation lawyer can be found by completing our free claim evaluation form below. Start your claim as soon as you can, otherwise you will find the statute of limitations will prevent you getting the compensation you deserve. Additional Resources Workers' Compensation in Indiana Workers' Comp. Denial in Indiana *Source: bls.gov/iif/oshstate.htm#IN
