Workers compensation is a form of insurance that offers medical benefits to workers who get injured at work. It is possible to suffer a chronic illness during employment, but only find out about it after leaving the job. Can you file a workers' compensation claim against your previous employer for such an illness? Read on to determine whether it is possible to file this claim and how you should go about it to make sure that it goes through.
Requirements for filing a workers' compensation claim
As aforementioned, a workers' compensation claim is entitled to employees who suffer an injury in the course of employment. Whether you are still working with your employer or not, you can make a claim for any injury or illness that was suffered at work. Some illnesses have symptoms which take a long time before they become apparent, and in this case, you may not have an idea of the illness until you leave employment. You should pursue a workers' compensation claim as you are entitled to receive medical benefits from your former employer's insurance company.
File for the claim immediately
To file a claim after leaving your job, you will need to acquire the necessary paperwork from your previous employer. The documentation should be obtained immediately you become aware of the illness so that the claim can proceed within the stipulated time frame. It is essential to hire a workers' compensation attorney at this point so that they can walk you through the entire procedure. They can also help in handling errant employers who may be uncooperative in handing over the documentation claims.
Seek medical treatment
Your claim should be backed up by a report from a qualified medical practitioner that pinpoints the illness from which you suffer. Your previous employer's insurance company will most likely try to prove that your injury didn't occur at work. To counter their claims, you will need a detailed medical evaluation giving information about the injury, including an accurate estimate of how long you may have suffered it. Finally, the report should conclude that your injury was work-related.
Obtain medical attention immediately after filing the claim. This will dispel any claims that may indicate that you delayed treatment because you were not seriously injured.
Filing a workers' compensation claim after leaving employment may present its set of challenges and frustrations. Retain a lawyer who will handle the legal aspect of the process and ensure that you get the rightful compensation.
