Nikalas Oates  –  Producer

Workers’ compensation is a valuable form of supplementary income. It can help those who get hurt and cannot work still have money in their pockets. Still, you’re likely going to have to look at local law to see if you qualify for this protection.

Different states govern their workers’ compensation systems differently. You have to follow certain processes to get the benefits you have coming to you. Each state has a different application process for these benefits. For example, if you live in Massachusetts, you likely have to start with your workers’ comp insurer. They can help you work through the claims process.

States recognize how important it is for incapacitated workers to still have income. That’s why many of them require businesses to offer workers’ comp to employees. Workers’ comp insurance can help them provide employees with the money they need.

Nevertheless, states also recognize that abuses might occur in the workers’ compensation system. Many states have workers’ comp boards or similar bodies that help oversee claims. States also often set qualifications of who can get workers’ comp. Bay State residents who meet the requirements can get workers’ comp for:

• Temporary incapacity. This is coverage that can supplement your income
• Permanent loss of function, disfigurement or another disability
• Medical care related to the injury
• Vocational rehabilitation

Furthermore, employees might have to meet other requirements to qualify for coverage. You often have to remain incapacitated for a minimum number of days to qualify for help. You also have to submit a workers’ compensation claim during a certain window for an insurer to honor it.

Filing a claim involves a careful process. For the injured person, it likely involves action on their part. It also might involve action by their employer and workers’ comp provider.

• After you receive an injury at work, immediately notify your employer. They will likely need to document the incident. You likely can get workers’ comp even if the accident was no fault of the business. Therefore, your employer will likely need a record of what happened.
• The employer will likely start an investigation into the incident. They will likely contact their workers’ comp insurer and the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA). However, in some cases, that duty might fall on you. Your employer might instruct you on how to contact these authorities yourself.
• Your insurer will review your claim and determine if you qualify for coverage. If they deny your claim, you will likely have the right to appeal to the DIA.

Make sure you submit all claims correctly and with accurate information. More accuracy means you can better manage your claim. Call Knight-Dik Insurance i at 800-286-6353 any time you might need to file a claim. They can help you process the claim.