How long will my injury take to heal? When can I return to work? Will I be able to do my job the same? How will I pay my bills if I can’t earn wages?
These questions, among many others, are probably at the forefront of the minds of injured workers in Kentucky.
Fortunately, most injured workers can probably benefit from the workers’ compensation system. So, what should our readers know about workers’ compensation in Kentucky?
Workers’ compensation basics
It is important to understand the basic concept behind workers’ compensation. Employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance to provide benefits for their employees who are hurt on the job. A worker who is hurt in the course of their employment doesn’t have to prove that their employer was negligent. All they must do is document their injury and show that it happened while they were at work.
First, the injury needs to be reported to the employer right away. Then, an application for workers’ compensation benefits must be submitted and reviewed. In many cases, that’s all that is needed. The insurance company approves the claim and issues benefits that can pay for the employee’s medical care, and in some cases provide them with income while they are recuperating.
Sometimes employers may dispute a workers’ compensation claim, which is when these matters become quite tricky. The case may need to go before an administrative law judge, who will then make a determination about the validity of the claim.
If you have suffered an on-the-job injury in Kentucky, be sure to get the right legal information about your own unique situation.