Suffering a slip and fall accident on the job can be scary, especially if that accident results in injuries. But unless you’re severely injured, you may not know whether you have the right to pursue a workers’ compensation claim for damages. In fact, even if you are seriously hurt, you may have questions about the workers’ compensation process. Here’s a look into what you need to know regarding workers’ compensation and whether or not your slip and fall injury is enough to make a claim–
Criteria for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Council Bluffs
An employee is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits following an accident in Iowa if:
- They are involved in a workplace accident;
- The accident occurs during the course of employment; and
- The accident results in an injury that requires medical treatment, missed days from work, or both.
Most employees in Iowa who have been injured via a slip and fall are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Injuries from a Slip and Fall
Common injuries might include bone fractures, soft tissue injuries, a traumatic brain injury, a spinal cord injury, or an internal injury. If you require medical care for treatment of these injuries, you are eligible for medical coverage through workers’ compensation for all necessary and reasonable expenses.
How to Make Your Claim
In addition to proving that your accident occurred on the job while you were doing something within the scope of your employment, you must also take steps quickly after an accident to guarantee your right to benefits. Most importantly, you should notify your employer of your accident and injury as soon as possible, and always within 90 days of its occurrence. If you wait longer than 90 days to report your injury, you may be barred from recovery.
Don’t Let Your Employer Get Away with Denying Your Claim
Employees are often hesitant about filing workers’ compensation injury claims, especially if their injuries are not severe. However, don’t let your employer convince you that your injuries aren’t “that serious” or that filing a claim is too “complicated.” Further, if you do file a claim and your claim is denied, do not hesitate to hire a lawyer to appeal this decision. Even when you are involved in a minor workplace slip and fall accident, you maintain the right to seek workers’ compensation for your damages.
Our Council Bluffs Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help
At the office of the Telpner Peterson Law Firm, LLP, we know how intimidating the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim can be. We can help you to understand the benefits to which you’re entitled, and how to navigate the process. We are passionate about providing competent representation to injured workers in our state.
For your free consultation, please call our lawyers today or send us a message requesting more information.