Negotiating a Workerâs Compensation Settlement
When you're injured on the job, you are most likely entitled to a worker’s compensation settlement, having your medical bills paid or allocated a certain amount of time off work to recover from your injuries. If you do plan to negotiate a worker’s compensation claim, there are a number of necessary steps you should take in order to be successful.
Step 1: Report your injury to your supervisor right away and fill out an incident form as soon as you are able to do so after you’re injured. Make sure to thoroughly explain to your supervisor exactly what happened and what you think may have caused the accident.
Step 2: Seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor will document your injury or injuries and inform you as to what needs to be done in order for you to get better. As part of this, you may be prescribed certain medications or may need braces, surgeries and treatments or any other medical therapy. Depending on the extent of your injury or injuries, it’s important the doctor tells you when you will be able to return to work or if you are unable to work for an extended period of time.
Step 3: Based on the diagnosis given by the doctor who treated you, calculate your overall expected medical expenses and any compensation for time off of work. You should first determine the least amount of money that you are willing to accept, then try to negotiate for a larger amount although that may be difficult.
Your employer should agree to compensate you for your needed time off and medical expenses. If the situation gets complicated it’s important to hire a worker’s compensation attorney.
Step 4: If it’s required, make sure to undergo any other medical exams performed by a doctor hired by your company.
Step 5: If an adequate agreement cannot be met between both sides, you should go to court or work out the matter through mediation.
It’s important to seek helpful legal counsel from a worker’s compensation attorney in order to get the compensation you need and deserve. Contact The Donahey Law Firm in Ohio if you’ve been injured on the job.
The Donahey Law Firm
495 South High Street,
Columbus, OH 43215
Toll Free: 1-800-686-1699
Fax: 614-849-0475
www.donaheylaw.com
help@donaheylaw.com
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