Most Arkansas workers understand that their employer provides workers’ compensation benefits if they sustain injuries during a work shift. If serious injuries occur after a specific work incident and are identifiable by the place of occurrence and time, an employee must notify their employer as soon as possible. The employer or insurer can help an injured worker quickly seek necessary medical care. Although this may seem straightforward, filing for benefits is not always easy.
The Arkansas workers’ compensation system is complex, and if injured Arkansas workers cannot provide the required information on time, they risk having their benefits denied. Under Arkansas law, an injured worker should file a workers’ compensation claim within two years from the date of a serious injury or death or from the last day of payment for compensation within a year.
If you are unsure how to go about this tricky process, discussing your case with a skilled workers’ compensation attorney at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield is the next best step.
Workers’ Compensation Basics an Arkansas Worker Should Know
- Your employer pays for worker’s compensation. It does not cost you anything.
- You must report your accident immediately or as soon as you can.
- Workers’ compensation pays for necessary medical care.
- The employer has the right to choose the physician who treats you.
- The benefits replace some of your lost wages if you are off work.
- Once you report the accident, the employer must report it in the First Report of Injury or Illness.
- You will visit the doctor approved by the employer.
- You must cooperate fully with your employer and the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission (AWCC).
- Complete all necessary forms as soon as possible to avoid delays.
- Be present for all appointments.
- If you earned anything after your injury, you must report this to the AWCC.
- Before seeking treatment, get approval from the insurance carrier. If you want another doctor, you can write to AWCC to ask for a new doctor and wait for the approval.
- Return to work once your physician gives the okay to do so.
- Keep copies of all records and receipts.
- If medical care is not provided for twelve months or no payments are made, your benefits and medical care may cease.
Various Benefits an Injured Arkansas Worker May Receive
AWCC benefits pay for appointments to an approved healthcare provider for required surgery, hospital visits, physical therapy, prescription drugs, medical equipment and devices, such as braces or crutches, and other required medical supplies as ordered by an approved doctor.
The most important thing to remember here is that an injured worker needs approval from their employer’s workers’ compensation carrier before being treated. The worker could pay for medical expenses out of pocket if permission is not granted. The employer’s insurer may cover medical bills if they accept the doctor a worker is seeing. If treatment is approved, the physician directly bills the insurance carrier. If workers receive the medical bill, they should send it to their employer or the insurance carrier.
Lost Wages
If you need to be off work due to an injury or illness, you may be eligible for indemnity benefits (cash benefits). There is a seven-calendar day waiting period for benefits approved by your doctor. Actual coverage starts on the 8th day of your partial or total disability. There is an important caveat here. You receive payment for the first seven days only if you are disabled for more than two weeks. These days are not continuous calendar days.
As you can tell, filing a workers’ compensation claim can be confusing and complicated. However, we can certainly help you with your claim, the forms, and the timelines and inform you of your legal rights. Call us at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, and we can clearly explain how the process works to allow you to make informed decisions.
Contact the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield Today
The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. represents workers’ compensation claims from Northwest Arkansas, including Fort Smith, Rogers, Springdale, Fayetteville, Bentonville, Berryville, and Harrison. Call us today for your free consultation at (479) 361-3575.