One strangely successful worker’s comp story: Mary Sandberg was in her own home when she tripped over her dog, and broke her wrist in the fall. Because she was working for J.C. Penney as a decorator, and she had been going to the garage to retrieve fabric samples, she was able to argue that her home was a “work environment,” allowing her to claim compensation for getting hurt at work.
Not all workers’ compensation stories are somewhat humorous like this, of course. It’s important to know what your rights are, and what you can do if you get hurt at work. Here are three important facts to keep in mind.
1. What Happens if I Get Hurt at Work?
No matter who you work for or what happens, there are several steps you should take if you sustain an injury while working. Do this regardless of how serious or mild your injuries may seem; sometimes symptoms of injury, especially when they concern the back or head, don’t show up for hours. Tell your supervisor right away, and make sure the incident is properly documented. Some businesses try to offer incentives for not reporting; ignore this and make sure you get a detailed record.
2. How Much Does Workers’ Comp Pay Out?
Wondering how to even tell whether or not you’re getting shortchanged? In most cases, states determine payout amounts, so there’s not always much wiggle room if the employer does grant it to you. Basically, the doctor decides how permanent your injury is, and that is what determines what you can receive. Sometimes maximums exist; in Texas, you can receive a maximum of $725 a week in lost pay. Most people hire workers comp lawyers when they are completely denied; in this case, the attorney will often collect 20% of the total settlement as payment.
3. If I Fake it a Bit, Will I Get More Money?
In every system, some people will cheat the system successfully and make their money that way. In most cases, however, you’d be advised against participating in fraud. Not only is it illegal, but you risking getting your entire claim denied by trumping up more injuries than what you truly sustained. Some companies will even hire private investigators to make sure that workers are truly disabled, and not just spending their time off injury-free and vacationing in a fishing boat.
Have you used workers comp lawyers before? Reference links.