Workers’ compensation benefits protect those who get hurt on the job. They can also offset the financial impact of a job-acquired illness. Employees may be eligible for both medical coverage and disability benefits through workers’ compensation.
There is a formal claims process that workers must follow to pursue workers’ compensation benefits after an incident at work or a doctor reaching and diagnosis that directly relates to their employment. To ensure future eligibility for benefits, employees must report on-the-job injuries and medical diagnoses related to their employment to their employers promptly.
How long do workers have to report job-related medical concerns?
Typically, the clock for reporting begins counting down on the day that that a worker sustains an injury or when a doctor diagnoses them with a specific medical issue caused by their job. They then have 30 days to notify their employer in writing of the incident that left them injured or the diagnosis that relates to their position.
The failure to submit formal notice can interfere with a future claim for benefits. Workers who are not sure if they require benefits may still want to report on-the-job incidents and medical diagnoses to their employers.
Conditions can present delayed-onset symptoms or worsen due to repetitive job functions after an initial injury. Reporting the incident to an employer in writing gives the worker typically up to a two-year window to file a claim for benefits.
Workers’ compensation claims can be difficult, and compliance with all rules is necessary to protect future benefit eligibility. Discussing work-related medical issues with an attorney can be helpful for injured employees as a result.