The Injured Worker’s Guide to Workers’ Compensation

When you are injured on the job, there are many questions and concerns that immediately come to mind. In order to begin navigating the sometimes challenging world of workers’ compensation, read on for the answers to some frequently asked questions, courtesy of your top workers’ compensation attorneys.

 FAQs Regarding Workers’ Compensation Cases

 Q.) Do I have to have purchased workers’ compensation insurance myself in order to be protected in the event of an on-the-job injury?

A.) Only your employer is responsible for the purchasing and maintaining of a valid workers’ compensation policy. If you have been injured on the job, you will need information about the policy, which you can obtain by asking your employer.

Q.) My injury caused me to miss a couple of days of work. Does this mean I am entitled to workers’ compensation benefits?

A.) Per state law, you are only entitled to income replacement benefits when your injury causes you to miss three or more days of work. Making sure that you report your injury the day it occurs can affect how accurately this total number of days missed is recorded, so be sure to alert your employer immediately after suffering an injury.

Q.) I know workers’ compensation insurance will cover my hospital bills, but what if I need something extra, such as physical therapy, to recover from my injury?

A.) Workers’ compensation insurance covers all of the necessary expenses that can be linked to your injury, but in some cases the insurance company will try to argue one or more of your claims. Your attorney can help you prove the necessity of certain expenses and ensure that you are compensated for them accordingly.

Q.) Does a lawyer have to represent me in my workers’ compensation case, or can I represent myself?

A.) Technically, you are allowed to represent yourself in a workers’ compensation case, but this is generally ill advised. The ins and outs of workers’ compensation benefits and dealing with insurance companies can be challenging for someone with little experience with them. A workers’ compensation attorney who knows the system well is your best bet for a successful case.

 We have four offices across Maryland and Virginia with trained legal professionals ready to assist you. Please CALL US at 1-800-243-2439 to be directed to the closest Jenkins Block & Associates location to you.

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