Introduction
Workplace accidents incur an enormous economic impact for both employer and employee which are not only catastrophic in terms of health issues but also damages the financial capabilities of the affected employee. A worker trying to determine the compensation that can be claimed following an accident would most definitely benefit from understanding the different compensation types, if any, that the workplace injury policies cover. This article will discuss the different types of compensations available, how to file a claim, and how clinicians specializing in record reviews can help lawyers meet the needs of their clients.
The Landscape of Workplace accidents
Current Statistics on Workplace accidents
Approximately 2.8 million Workplace accidents have been recorded in the last year alone which is a non-fatal statistic nevertheless alarming as projects sure have to look deeper into this concern.
The most prevalent injuries diagnosed, at a Sprain Clinic, e.g., sprains, strains, tears, usually make up the largest cohort, 30%, of all injuries diagnosed.
Common Causes of Workplace Accidents
Slips, Trips, and fall: These incidents are common and unusual and as a result, they are among the leading causes of workplace injuries.
Overexertion: Straining oneself while lifting massive objects or doing the same action over and over can cause serious injuries.
Machinery Accidents: Users not following the operating procedures or failure of the machine may result in ghastly injuries and even death.
Types of Compensation Available
Medical Expenses
Unexpected Medical Treatment Expenses: The employees are entitled to compensation for all medical costs incurred and associated for their injuries, which include but are not limited to:
Hospital admissions
Surgical Procedures
Physiotherapy
Medications of prescription nature
Lost Wages
Temporary Disability Benefits: Injured employees can receive some remuneration for wages lost in an event that the employee does not come to work due to his/her illness. It is usually a fraction of what the person earns, but not always, due to some conditions placed by health insurance providers.
Permanent Disability Benefits: For some, life is never the same again; for long term, or in some cases, permanent disability, a considerable amount of more compensation is put forth.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Reintegration Programs: Ex-employees of the company who have trouble trying to return to the same work from which they were separated, whether for medical or other personal reasons, often require help getting back to work.
Death Benefits
Compensation for Dependents: In cases where a workplace accident leads to the loss of a person’s life, the family of the deceased will receive a sum known as a death benefit. This provides funds for memorial and burial arrangements along with other monetary relief.
Pain and Suffering
• Non-Economic Damages: An employee’s pain and suffering is not usually covered by their compensation scheme. However, an employee may claim these damages through a personal injury lawsuit if there is negligence by a third party.
How to Request Compensation for a Workplace Injury
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
• First Things: An employee must inform their employer of their injury right away and submit a claim to the company’s workers’ compensation carrier.
• Records: Claiming successfully will require that an employee maintains all records related to medical treatment or communication with the employers.
Legal Action for Denied Claims
• Attorney’s Advice: A person can either get in touch with a personal injury attorney or if the public health insurer is refusing to pay the benefits.
• Claims on Other Parties: An employee can also file a claim to other people who caused their injury, like the manufacturer of the said equipment or the subcontractors.
The Role of Medical Record Review Services
Importance of Medical Records
• Causation: Medical records are imperative to the linking of any injuries sustained as a result of work related accidents and the severity of the injuries.
• Treatment Gaps: Gaps in documentation that may negatively impact the case can be discovered from the careful analysis of records.
How Medical Record Review Services Assist Attorneys
• Expert Analysis: Medical record review companies use their experts to sift through files and pinpoint relevant information while flagging any possible problems.
• Streamlining the Process: The service helps lawyers save time and is guaranteed that all necessary documents are in place.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: Slip and Fall Injury in a Warehouse
Overview: A warehouse worker suffered an ankle injury after slipping on water that had collected on the floors.
Challenges: The employer refused to pay for any benefits because there was insufficient evidence to support the claim.
Solutions: The worker consulted a personal injury lawyer who did a medical record review and proved the level of injury as well as the work restrictions of the employee.
Compensation: The worker was compensated for all medical expenses, income, pain and suffering, and the insurance premiums that were claimed against him.
Case Study 2: Machinery Accident Resulting in Hand Injury
Overview: A worker on the factory floor sustained a grave injury on the hand while using a machine that had a fault in its workings.
Challenges: Benefit payments were subject to claims as the employer argued about the way the accident took place.
Solutions: The employee hired a medical record review service that provided comprehensive accounts of the injury and treatment for the purpose of linking the injury with the accident.
Compensation: The employee was awarded compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation services to transition to a new role.
Conclusion
If an employee is injured, they can know how to file for compensation with the help of financial services aimed to assist them. Its important know how these services work, what role the medical record review services play, and how the employee is supposed to come out of it. It is advised that if you’ve been injured at your workplace, you see a doctor, keep a record of every detail along with seeking legal advice so that you can claim the compensation you are entitled to.
