If you get hurt in a work-related accident, the least you can expect is for your employer to take care of you. You shouldn’t be left holding the bag. Your injuries could be quite serious. And you’ll probably have a lot of medical bills to pay. In Arkansas, employees are entitled to workers comp benefits in Rodgers. However, these benefits are not automatic. In order to qualify for these benefits, you have to meet certain criteria.
If you don’t meet the criteria, your claim will be denied. If this happens, you’ll need to retain an experienced workers comp lawyer in Rogers, Arkansas. They’ll negotiate with the insurance company to get your claim paid. They’ll also deal with your employer to find out what really happened.
If you or your loved one have been hurt at work, you don’t want to handle it alone. You don’t want your employer to take advantage of you. So, you should call an experienced workers compensation attorney in Rogers.
What are the Eligibility Criteria?
If you expect to receive workers comp benefits, you’ll need to meet certain criteria. These are the same no matter where you live. The criteria to qualify for workers comp in Rodger, Arkansas include:
- You were working at the time of your injury – If you’re not on the clock, you won’t be entitled to workers compensation. For example, if you were stopping by to pick up your paycheck and get hurt, you won’t be eligible for workers comp.
- The injury was directly caused by your job – Your Rogers workers comp lawyer does have to prove that your injuries were work-related. For example, if you install floors and suffer a knee injury, it’ll probably be considered work related. However, if you break your finger slamming it in your locker at work, you may not be covered.
- You may be able to show that your job accident aggravated a pre-existing condition – For example, if you had a bad back, you may reinjure it at work. Your doctor would have to confirm that your job aggravated your prior injuries.
- You were actually injured – It’s not enough that were involved in an accident or incident at work. You have to suffer an actual injury. Otherwise, you won’t qualify for workers cop benefits.
- You have to be unable to work – Just because you get hurt doesn’t mean you’ll be eligible for benefits. If you’re still able to do your job, you won’t be able to go out on workers compensation.
What Benefits Do You Receive Under Workers Compensation?
As long as you qualify for workers comp, you should receive your benefits. As long as your claim is approved, you’ll start receiving your benefits in a week or two. Some of the benefits available to workers in Arkansas include:
- Medical Expenses
- Prescription Medications
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Benefits
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits
- Wage Loss Disability Benefits
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Medical equipment and devices
- Death Benefits
Also, the amount of your weekly benefits will depend on how much you earn. In general, you’ll receive the following:
- 2/3 of your average weekly wages
- The minimum you can receive is $20 per week
- The most you can receive is $835 per week for total disability and $626 for permanent partial disability
- Also, benefits are paid every two weeks
What if Your Claim is Denied?
Just because you meet the eligibility criteria, doesn’t mean your claim will be approved. Your employer may decide to deny your claim. This could happen for any variety of reasons, including:
- You may not have been on the clock at the time of your injury
- Also, you were horsing around and not following company safety guidelines
- You were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of your injury
- You’re not actually an employee – you’re only an independent contractor
If your claim is denied, your Rogers workers comp lawyer will negotiate to get your claim approved. They’ll reach out to your employer and the insurance company. If this doesn’t work, they’ll have no choice but to file suit on your behalf.
Contact our Experienced Workers Compensation Attorneys for a Free Case Review
If you’ve been hurt on the job, you should call an experienced workers comp lawyer Jason M. Hatfield P.A. As long as you meet the criteria for a worker’s comp claim, your claim should be approved.
Lastly, call today and schedule your initial consultation with an experienced workers comp lawyer in Arkansas. The consultation is absolutely free and you pay nothing until you settle your case.