As a rescue worker, you understand the tremendous amount of personal fulfillment that comes from helping those who are most in need. That being said, you likely also understand how dangerous your job can be. So when you’re the one who is hurt, where can you turn for help?
Workers’ Compensation For Rescue Workers
Workers’ compensation is available for rescue workers who have been hurt at work. This compensation is designed to provide injured workers with payments for all of their medical expenses relating to the injuries or illnesses that they have obtained. It can also provide payments for a fraction of lost wages if the worker is unable to return to their job for an extended period of time.
Despite providing comfort, medical care, and rescue to anyone in need, when it is their time to be provided with necessary care, rescue workers often find that their workers’ comp claims have been denied outright. Common reasons for these denials include a lack of medical evidence, mistakes made on a claim form, or an employer who is contesting the claim.
What Steps Should Rescue Workers Take In Order To Avoid A Denial?
Although there are many instances where an injured worker does everything right and still receives a denial from the workers’ compensation insurance company, there are steps that should be taken by every injured worker.
Seek Medical Care: The minute that you suspect something is wrong, whether it be an injury or an illness, seek the medical care that you need. - Notify Your Employer: This notification must be done in writing within 30 days of your injury or within 30 days of finding out about your injury or illness.
- File Your Claim: This claim is filed with the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board.
- Obtain A Preliminary Medical Report: The doctor who has made your diagnosis should provide you with a medical report within 48 hours.
Seek Medical Care:If all goes well, you should receive your first payments within 18 days.
What Happens If I Am Denied My Workers’ Comp Payments?
If you receive a denial you can file an appeal. This appeal must be made within 30 days. First, a written request for a review of your case must be submitted to the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. A panel may then review your case and make a determination.
If your claim is still denied, you can then file a second appeal in the Appellate Division.
Proving that a denial is incorrect can be difficult and requires quite a bit of evidence. Without the right legal team by your side, you will likely struggle to overturn your denial.
Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Mental Health Disorders?
Yes. Many rescue workers are diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and PTSD every year. This is hardly surprising given that they spend their days in life or death situations. Workers’ compensation does provide coverage for mental health conditions so that rescue workers can obtain the support and medication they need.
Are Death Benefits Available Through Workers’ Comp?
Yes. If your loved one was a rescue worker who died trying to save others, you may be entitled to death benefits that could help your family handle the financial burden of a funeral and loss of income.
How Can An Attorney Help Me With My Claim?
The attorneys at The Disability Guys are proud to represent rescue workers. Our legal team is well known throughout New York for the help that we have provided to injured workers over more than three decades.
We fight aggressively for our clients and can assist by filling out claim forms, collecting medical evidence, consulting with medical professionals, and handling an appeal. We can even speak with the insurance company on your behalf.
Contact us today to learn more about the workers’ comp process, our local New York legal team, and how we can help you.