Whether you fell off a ladder while working at a construction site, restocking shelves or a piece of equipment malfunctioned, you may have access to workers’ compensation benefits through your employer. For minor injuries and more serious ones, knowing your rights and options can make the process less intimidating. If you or someone you loved one have suffered an injury while working at a construction site, contact a Little Rock construction accident lawyer for a free legal consultation.
Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Laws
In the state of Arkansas, you likely have the right to workers’ compensation coverage if you work for someone who has three or more employees. Your employer is responsible for paying for workers’ compensation coverage and for providing you with the information you need to secure medical care and file a claim. If you have any questions about your employer’s obligation to pay for workers’ compensation insurance, contact a personal injury attorney in Little Rock, AR that is familiar with state laws.
To qualify for benefits, you may need to see a physician your employer or the insurance provider recommends. Under state law, your employer is responsible for benefits including reasonable medical care resulting from the accident and a certain percentage of lost wages. You have two years from the time of your injury to file a claim.
Report the Accident
The first step any worker in any job should take is to report the injury. Report any accident, even if you are not sure if you suffered an injury. Some people have fallen at work and felt fine, only to learn that they suffered an injury months down the road. If you wait to report an accident, you may lose your ability to claim any benefits to cover the cost of care and any time you spend away from work.
Tell your supervisor about the accident, and write down as much about the incident as you can, including witness names and what happened. If you have your phone with you, snap a few pictures of any visible injuries and the scene. This information may help you prove a claim later.
Some of the more common injuries sustained at the workplace include: Brain injuries, bone fractures, spinal cord injuries, neck injuries, back injuries, limb injuries, burn injuries, and more.
Seek Medical Attention
Always seek medical attention after you suffer a work-related injury. Tell the physician what happened, and keep a copy of all medical records, treatment recommendations, bills, prescriptions, and travel expenses. If you do not feel comfortable with the diagnosis or treatment recommendations an employer-sponsored physician provides, seek a second opinion from a doctor you choose.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Start the claims process as soon as possible. Fill out the employee section of the claims form completely, and keep a copy of the form in your own files. Return the form to your employer, and ask that your employer provide you with a copy of the completed claim form (including both employee- and employer-filled sections). It may take up to 14 days for the insurer to process the claim. If you do not hear back from the insurer in that time period, talk with your employer. If you do not hear back in a reasonable amount of time (2-3 days), you may want to consider contacting an attorney to learn more about your legal options.
Legal Assistance for Workers’ Compensation in Arkansas
For most injuries, insurance companies and employers are willing to work with an injured employee. However, some cases are more complex. Consider reaching out for legal assistance after a workplace injury if:
- Your valid claim for benefits was denied.
- Your employer is trying to convince you or bully you into not filing a claim.
- Your benefits are unreasonably low and do not cover the costs of your injuries.
- You suspect a third party, such as a maintenance company or a supplier, was responsible for your injury.
- You have any questions about the workers’ compensation process in Arkansas and cannot get a straight answer from your employer.
If you have any questions about a workplace injury or workers’ compensation in Arkansas, reach out to the Law Offices of Thomas G. Buchanan.