When we’re tasked with a big decision, oftentimes we find it helpful to assess the benefits and drawbacks prior to moving forward. This is most commonly done by creating a pros and cons list. We thought we’d do the same if you find yourself wondering if you should move forward with that workers’ compensation claim or not. Below, we put together a pros and cons list for whether or not you should file for workers’ compensation in Minnesota.
The Pros Of Filing A Work Comp Claim
As you’ll see, the benefits far outweigh the potential cons associated with filing a workers’ compensation claim. We begin with a look at the pros:
Financial Security – The single best thing about a workers’ compensation claim is that it helps to provide financial security during uncertain times. You likely have medical bills stacking up and won’t be collecting your regular paycheck from work, so you need to get some financial security through a workers’ compensation claim. Workers are a protected class, so you have every right to seek compensation in the event of a work injury.
Job Security – While filing a claim may not directly increase your likelihood of keeping your job, it also won’t lead to your termination. It is illegal for employers to take retaliatory actions against an employee for filing a workers’ compensation claim. You can’t get fired, have your hours cut or be otherwise punished for collecting compensation that you are entitled to receive as a protected employee.
More Than Just Medical Bills And Lost Wages – Compensation for medical bills and time away from work are the two most common types of payments in a work comp claim, but they certainly aren’t the only payments you may be entitled to receive. You can be compensated for travel expenses to appointments, retraining and education benefits if you can’t return to work and much more. Work with an attorney to ensure you get all the benefits you’re eligible to receive after a work injury.
You’re Not Suing Your Company – When you file a workers’ compensation claim, you’re filing a claim with your employer’s insurance provider, not the employer. You may love your employer and not want to cause them financial hardship by filing a claim, but remember that they pay a regular premium to have accident coverage. You’re not going after them, you’re only collecting against an insurance policy they are required to carry. You don’t need to feel like you’re harming the company by filing a claim, because you’re not.
Nothing To Lose – If you file a claim and are rejected, you’re only out time. You’re not going to have to pay huge legal fees or compensate the insurance company. If you have a valid injury, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by filing a claim. The same can be said in the wake of an initial denial. No harm will come of a rejected claim, unless of course you’re knowingly attempting to commit insurance fraud.
Cons Of Filing For Workers’ Compensation
Here’s a look at the cons of moving forward with a workers’ compensation claim:
Time Consuming – Honestly, we could only come up with one potential drawback to filing for workers’ compensation, and that’s that the process can be time consuming. Insurance companies like to do their due diligence and thoroughly review cases before issuing a payment, so it may take a little bit of time before your claim is validated. We know that it’s no fun to be in a holding pattern when it comes to your claim payout, but time is going to pass and you’re going to recover regardless, so there really is no harm in waiting for your claim to be processed. We understand that you may want to put the case behind you and get back to work, but filing a claim doesn’t mean that you’re ineligible to return to work. As soon as you receive clearance from a doctor, you can return to work in a limited or full capacity, so know that filing a claim will not keep you out of work any longer than it needs to.
As you can see, it’s well worth it to pursue a workers’ compensation claim if you are injured and miss time from work. For more information, or to learn how the team at Hey Workers can help with that process, give our team a call today at (844) 439-9675.
