Workers are a protected class in America, and this means that you have a number of rights in the event that you are hurt on the job. Unfortunately, many employers and insurance companies aren’t always up front about your rights in the wake of a workplace accident. Don’t get taken advantage of because you didn’t know what you were entitled to do following a workplace accident. In hopes of helping you get the justice you deserve after a workplace injury, we’ve put together five rights that every worker is entitled to invoke on their path to compensation.
Your Rights After A Workplace Accident
Here’s a look at five rights you have after a workplace accident, and five rights you should definitely consider pursuing.
1. Right To An Attorney – Your company or the insurance company may say that you can settle this matter quickly and discreetly, but oftentimes this is done at the employee’s expense. Your company’s insurance provider will almost assuredly have legal experts on their side when processing or contesting your claim, and you need to have one in your corner. It’s possible to resolve your injury claim without an attorney, but it’s oftentimes unwise to do so. Connect with an attorney to help maximize your claim and get your fair share.
2. A Doctor Of Your Choosing – The insurance company may push you to get a medical exam by a specific provider, but know that you have the right to an evaluation by a doctor of your choosing. Pick a provider you trust. They may ask that you seek an opinion by a different specialist, but they cannot prevent you from seeking care from a provider of your choosing. Don’t let them lead you to a provider with a history of favorable outcomes for the insurance company.
3. Compensation – At the very basic level, you have a right to compensation for your expenses and lost wages that you experience as a direct result of your work injury. Your employer pays for insurance to protect their employees, so don’t feel like you are hurting the company by collecting what you’re rightfully entitled to receive. Even if you were the one who caused your injuries, you can collect compensation, so long as the injuries were not intentional.
4. A Second Opinion – If you don’t agree with the assessment of the first medical professional, you have the right to seek out a second opinion. This second evaluation won’t completely negate the professional opinion of the first doctor, but it can give credence to your claim in the event that you believe something was underreported or overlooked.
5. A Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant – Finally, the workers’ compensation system is designed to help injured workers return to gainful employment, and oftentimes that is accomplished by connecting the injured party with a qualified rehabilitation consultant, or QRC. These professionals can help you return to gainful employment in a number of ways. Whether that’s helping you find a new job, connecting you with a retraining program so that you can transition to a new job, or helping you go back to school in order to pursue a new career because of limitations provided by your injuries, a QRC is a jack of all trades in helping you get back to work. You can lean on them throughout the workers’ compensation process.
To connect with a law firm who can help ensure your rights are upheld throughout the process and get you the compensation you deserve, reach out to the team at Hey Workers today at (844) 439-9675.
