If you were injured at work in Kentucky, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and more. A Louisville workers’ compensation lawyer from our personal injury law firm can help you navigate the workers’ compensation process while you recover.
In this Article
What Is Kentucky’s Workers’ Compensation System?
Per the Kentucky Workers’ Compensation Act, Kentucky provides benefits to employees with serious injuries, no matter who was at fault for the accident. The Kentucky Department of Workers’ Claims (DWC) oversees the state’s workers’ compensation system. It also provides resources for injured workers and their employers.
What Coverage Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Provide?
Kentucky’s workers’ compensation benefits provide medical, rehabilitation, and financial help (wage replacement) for employees injured on the job.
- Medical benefits: necessary medical treatment for work-related injuries
- Income benefits: temporary total disability provides two-thirds of the average weekly pay if you’re unable to work
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits: to help injured workers return to work
- Death benefits: support to dependents if the worker dies due to a job-related injury
Why Can Workers’ Compensation Cases Be Denied?
There are several reasons your workers’ compensation claim may be denied, including late reporting, an injury not related to work, missed deadlines, a preexisting condition, or disputes about your employment status.
If your claim has been denied, a Louisville workers’ compensation attorney can help you with your workers’ comp claim and the appeals process.
Do I Need a Louisville Workers’ Comp Attorney?
If you’ve been seriously injured at work, our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys will protect your rights. We work to ensure your medical bills are covered and payments continue without interruption. When disputes with insurance companies arise, our Louisville lawyers will handle the workers’ compensation claims process while you focus on recovering.
What Is a Third-Party Lawsuit in a Workers’ Compensation Case?
Sometimes, the negligence of a third party might contribute to your workplace injury. When this happens, a third-party lawsuit can help you seek damages for pain and suffering (which are not typically covered by workers’ compensation). To succeed, you must prove the other party was negligent.
For instance, you might have a personal injury claim if you were injured in a motor vehicle accident by a negligent driver while on the job. An attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.
Most Common Workplace Injuries
Workers can experience common injuries like repetitive strain injuries (such as carpal tunnel syndrome). Serious conditions can also occur, including back injuries, shoulder injuries, neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and brain injuries.
What to Do After a Workplace Accident in Louisville, Kentucky
If you suffer a work injury, follow these steps:
- Notify your employer as soon as possible. They will notify their workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
- Seek medical care immediately. Keep all medical records and receipts.
- Document everything with photos of the scene and your injuries. Gather witness information.
- Consider a third-party claim for additional damages if someone else’s negligence (other than your employer) caused the accident.
- Consult a workers’ compensation lawyer in Louisville for help recovering benefits you deserve.
Contact Our Experienced Louisville Attorneys Today
If you suffered injuries in a work-related accident or have a denied claim, call us. Our attorneys know Kentucky workers’ compensation law and can provide legal assistance for your specific case.
Our Law Firm Offers Free Case Evaluations
Call our law office today for a free initial consultation. We’ll outline the legal process, discuss your options to recover maximum benefits, and address your concerns. We work on a contingency fee basis, so our clients don’t pay unless we win their cases.
(312) 223-1700