How to Complete Workman's Compensation Claims

In many states, when you sustain an injury or contract a disease while on the job, you are legally entitled to benefits under your employer's workers' compensation insurance. Though workers' compensation is regulated and administered according to state law, in most cases you can expect to receive compensation for medical treatment costs, lost wages and permanent disability or impairment, depending on the severity of your injury or illness. Typically, after sustaining an injury or contracting a disease you are required to immediately notify your employer. Next, you must file a claim with your state's workers' compensation authority. Exact procedures vary according to state law.

Instructions

1. Tell your employer immediately that you have been injured or have become ill. Generally, your employer has a legal duty to inform you of your rights and obligations under your state's workers' compensation laws. Often, state law requires employers to post this information in a conspicuous place at the work site.

2. Identify your state's workers' compensation authority. If this information is not available at your workplace or from your employer, you can find a state-by-state index of local offices and websites on the U.S. Department of Labor website (see Resources). Clicking on your state will transfer you to the appropriate website.

3. Visit the employee information section of your state's workers' compensation website. Typically, you can access an employee guide to claims filing that will set out the steps you need to complete to register a workers' compensation claim. Spend some time reading about the claims process and how compensation benefits are calculated in your state. Download and print any forms required for completing a claim.

4. File a claim for benefits by a method appropriate to your state. Many states provide the required claim forms for download to your home computer. Some states maintain online registration tools for employee claims filing. Whatever the method in your state, complete the claim and submit it as instructed. After processing your claim, a workers' compensation case worker will contact you about further procedures as local law requires.

Tips & Warnings

• Workers' compensation for federal employees is overseen by the federal government rather than the respective state authority. If you are a federal employee, visit the Division of Federal Employee's Compensation website for claim filing instructions (see Resources).

References

• Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: Workers' Compensation: For Workers
• Utah Labor Commission Division of Industrial Accidents: Employee's Guide to Workers' Compensation
• State of Connecticut Workers' Compensation Commission
• State of New Mexico Workers' Compensation Administration: Injured Workers
• North Carolina Industrial Commission: For Injured Workers
• New York State Workers' Compensation Board: Online Employee Claim (C-3)

Resources

• Department of Consumer and Business Services: Injured on the Job Poster
• U.S. Department of Labor: Index of State Workers' Compensation Officials
• U.S. Department of Labor: Division of Federal Employees' Compensation (DFEC)