No matter what industry you’re in, injuries are always possible. From carpal tunnel at a desk job to a construction site accident, you run the risk of suffering an injury that could greatly affect your wage-earning abilities. If you do suffer a workplace injury, know that you have recourse if your employer offers workers’ compensation.
To file a valid workers’ compensation claim, there are a strict number of steps you need to follow. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) exists to help navigate you through the process of filing your claim and handling any disputes that should arise. In addition to the TDI, you will need a quality network of licensed medical professionals to evaluate your injuries, facilitate your recovery, and provide crucial documentation to your employers and the TDI’s Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC).
How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
The aftermath of suffering from a workplace injury is perhaps not the best time to tackle paperwork and checklists. Unfortunately, you’ll need to document and report your injury immediately to your employer and the TDI. Though you officially have 30 days after your injury was sustained to report and file a claim, your best bet to receive benefits is to report your injury immediately.
The filing forms required for a successful workers’ compensation claim are numerous, so click here for a comprehensive list. The DWC will work with you and your employer to either approve or deny your claim. You’ll want to take full advantage of their website tools and resources to make sure your claim is handled with accuracy and efficiency.
Impairment Ratings and Your Team of Physicians
In addition to the Texas Department of Insurance and Division of Workers’ Compensation, your major source of support will be your team of medical professionals. Whenever you’re injured on the job, you have the right to choose the physicians from whom you receive care. Make sure you’re selective in the doctors you choose to support you in your recovery and claim process as not all physicians are willing to take on workers’ compensation cases.
At Advantage Health Systems, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you heal while navigating the claim process along with you. The most important service we provide is accurate, comprehensive impairment ratings. Impairment ratings are crucial to your claim process in order for you to receive the benefits you deserve following a workplace injury.
If you’re out of work for more than 7 days or receive a pay rate reduction, we can use an evaluative process known as an impairment rating to help you receive the benefits to which you’re entitled. Impairment ratings are assigned on a percentage point scale that determines the extent to which your abilities have been impaired by workplace injury. Depending on your impairment rating, you could be eligible to receive one of the following benefits:
- Temporary Income Benefits
- Impairment Income Benefits
- Supplemental Income Benefits
- Lifetime Income Benefits
- Medical Benefits
To learn more about these benefits, head to the DWC’s website.
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we’re prepared to help you face the coming months while you work on recovery and navigate your workers’ compensation claim. Call our Dallas office today at (877) 487-8289 to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed professionals.
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