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FAQs About Fort Wayne Work Injury Accidents
Here are answers to some common questions about work injuries:
What is workers’ compensation?
Workers' compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill while performing work-related duties. It is designed to cover expenses that resulted due to the injury at work. In exchange for these benefits, employees give up their right to sue their employer for the injury, creating a process to ensure workers are taken care of without needing to prove fault.
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What expenses does workers’ compensation cover?
Workers' compensation covers a variety of expenses related to a work injury or illness, including:
- Medical expenses, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and prescription medications.
- Lost wages if you are temporarily or permanently unable to work due to the injury.
- Rehabilitation costs for physical therapy or retraining if you’re unable to return to your previous job.
- Permanent disability benefits if your injury results in long-term or lifelong impairment.
- Funeral expenses and death benefits for families of workers who die due to a work-related injury.
These benefits are designed to help workers recover and maintain financial stability while they heal.
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What types of workplace injury cases do you handle in Fort Wayne?
Work injuries in Fort Wayne can cover a wide range. From slip and fall accidents to neck and back injuries, some of the most common – and most serious – workplace injury cases we handle at our law firm include:
- Workers’ compensation claims
- Construction accidents
- Factory injuries
- Warehouse injuries
- Forklift accidents
- Loading and unloading injuries
Sometimes, workplace injuries occur because of something someone who works for another company did – or didn’t do. In these cases, such workplace accidents are known as third-party claims. Whatever the circumstances of your Fort Wayne workplace injury, we want to help.
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What are common workplace injuries?
Workplace injuries can vary depending on the environment of the employee. Common workplace injuries include:
- Slip and falls, leading to injuries like sprained ankles or fractured bones.
- Overexertion injuries such as back strains, muscle sprains, or pulled ligaments from lifting heavy objects.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) caused by falls, vehicle accidents, or being struck by objects.
- Repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or bursitis from tasks involving repetitive motions.
- Burns from hot surfaces, chemicals, or electrical hazards.
- Falls from heights, especially in construction, leading to broken bones or spinal injuries.
- Vehicle accidents involving delivery trucks, forklifts, or warehouse machinery.
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What should I do after a workplace injury?
If you’re injured at work, follow these steps:
- Report the injury immediately to your employer, no matter how minor it may seem.
- Seek medical attention for a full evaluation and to document your injuries.
- Document the injury, including taking photos and writing down details of the incident.
- File a workers’ compensation claim.
- Follow all medical advice and keep records of treatment and recovery.
- Consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer to avoid challenges in filing your claim or receiving benefits.
Following these steps helps protect your rights and ensures you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.
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Can I be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim?
No, it is illegal for an employer to fire you for filing a workers' compensation claim. State laws protect workers from retaliation for using workers' compensation benefits. If your employer retaliates – such as by firing, demoting, or otherwise punishing you for filing a claim – you may have grounds for a retaliation lawsuit. It’s important to document everything and consult a lawyer if you believe your job is at risk due to your claim.
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How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim?
In Indiana, you typically have 30 days from the date of the injury to report it to your employer. While you have two years from the date of the injury to file a workers' compensation claim, it’s crucial to report the injury as soon as possible to avoid delays in the claims process. Not reporting the injury in a timely manner may affect your ability to receive benefits, so it’s best to act quickly and seek legal guidance if needed.
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How long does it take to get workers’ compensation benefits?
The timeline for receiving workers’ compensation benefits can vary. Once your claim is approved, it may take a bit to start receiving benefits. In Indiana there is a 7-day wait period before you are owed your first check. In some cases, delays can happen due to disputes over the severity of the injury or the need for additional medical evaluations. If you face delays, a workers' compensation attorney can help expedite the process and ensure you receive the benefits you're entitled to.
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What happens if my claim is denied?
If your workers' compensation claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Common reasons for denial include insufficient evidence, disputes over the severity of the injury, or missed filing deadlines. You can request a hearing before the Indiana Workers’ Compensation Board to present additional evidence or challenge the denial. It’s important to work with an experienced lawyer who can help you understand the reasons for the denial, gather the necessary documentation, and represent you during the appeal process to improve your chances of success.
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What do I do if my loved one died from a workplace injury?
If a loved one dies due to a workplace injury, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation death benefits. These benefits can cover funeral expenses, medical bills, and provide financial support for surviving family members.
You may also have grounds to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit if there was third-party negligence involved. A personal injury lawyer with experience in wrongful death cases can help guide you through the legal process, ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to, hold negligent parties accountable and get justice for your loved one.
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Count on our Fort Wayne workplace injury attorneys to fight for you
If you were doing your job and you got hurt at work, you should be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, according to Indiana state law. You may also be eligible for other financial compensation depending on the circumstances of your Fort Wayne workplace injury.
You won’t know what you’re legally eligible to receive until you talk to an experienced workplace injury lawyer. Don’t delay. Get answers today. Contact our law firm and schedule your free case evaluation at our Fort Wayne, Indiana office right now.
