If you’ve been hurt at work in Indiana, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. This no-fault insurance covers medical expenses, lost wages, and more. A Bloomington workers’ compensation lawyer from our personal injury law firm can help. We have been helping injured workers get maximum disability benefits for decades, and we are ready to help you.
What Is Indiana’s Workers’ Compensation System?
Indiana law entitles employees with serious injuries or illnesses to benefits regardless of who was responsible for the accident. The Indiana Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB) oversees the state’s workers’ compensation system. It handles disputes and challenges and hears appeals. The WCB ensures compliance with workers’ compensation laws, and it provides resources for injured workers and employers.
What Coverage Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Provide?
Indiana’s workers’ compensation benefits provide medical, rehabilitation, and income support for employees injured on the job.
- Medical benefits cover necessary medical treatment for work-related injuries.
- Income benefits compensate two-thirds of the average weekly pay if the injury prevents the employee from returning to work due to a permanent disability.
- Rehabilitation benefits help injured workers return to work.
- Death benefits offer support to dependents if the worker dies due to a job-related injury (such as funeral and burial expenses).
The Social Security Administration (SSA) caps your combined monthly income from workers’ compensation and social security disability income (SSDI) at 80% of your average current earnings (ACE) prior to your disability.
Why Can Workers’ Compensation Cases Be Denied?
Your workers’ compensation claim may be denied for several reasons, including not reporting the injury on time, the injury not being work-related, a lack of evidence, missed deadlines, non-covered situations (like intoxication or horseplay), disputes about your employment status, or preexisting conditions.
If your claim has been denied, a Bloomington workers’ compensation attorney can help you with the appeals process.
Do I Need a Bloomington Workers’ Comp Attorney?
Yes! Our workers’ compensation attorneys protect the rights of injured employees. If you are suffering from a serious work injury or occupational disease, we can provide a sense of relief. We work to ensure medical bills are covered and payments continue without interruption. If disputes arise with insurance companies, our team works to resolve them efficiently.
What Is a Third-Party Lawsuit in a Workers’ Compensation Case?
In some cases, a third party’s negligence may have contributed to your workplace injury. A third-party lawsuit allows you to pursue damages for things not covered by workers’ comp (like pain and suffering). However, you must prove the other party was negligent. Indiana’s 51% rule (Indiana Code § 34-51-2) means you cannot recover damages if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the incident.
For instance, you might have a personal injury claim if you were injured by a negligent driver while on the job. An attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.
Most Common Workplace Injuries
Many workers experience common injuries like repetitive strain injuries (such as carpal tunnel syndrome). More serious conditions can also include back injuries, shoulder injuries, neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and brain injuries.
What to Do After a Workplace Accident in Bloomington, IN
After a work injury, follow these steps:
- Notify your employer as soon as possible (within 30 days).
- Seek medical care from the doctor chosen by your employer or their insurer. Visit the nearest ER for emergencies.
- Document everything with photos of the scene and your injuries. Gather witness information. Keep all medical records and receipts.
- Understand your rights. Indiana workers’ compensation covers medical bills and partial wages, even if the accident was your fault.
- Consider a third-party claim if someone other than your employer caused the accident.
- Consult a workers’ compensation lawyer if your claim is denied or you need help pursuing full compensation.
Contact Our Experienced Bloomington Lawyers Today
If you suffered injuries in a work-related accident, call us. Each experienced attorney on our legal team has the experience to assess the circumstances surrounding a workers’ comp claim and help secure the benefits and money our clients deserve.
Our Law Firm Offers Free Case Evaluations
Call our law office today for a free consultation to discuss your case. An attorney will outline your options to recover the maximum benefits you’re eligible for and help you get back to your normal life.
(312) 223-1700