If you’re injured on the job in Kansas, you might be entitled to compensation. However, you have to file for it within a limited time frame. If you miss the deadline, you waive your right to receive benefits.
When should you file a workers’ compensation claim?
When you get injured on the job, it’s your responsibility to tell your employer as soon as possible. Once you’ve done that, you have to apply for workers’ compensation. Your employer can’t do it on our behalf. If you’re not sure you’re eligible, you could talk to an employment law attorney first.
If you suffer from specific injuries, such as those sustained from a slip-and-fall accident, you must file your claim within twenty days. If you’re dealing with a disease or condition that developed over time, you must file your claim within twenty days of the date that you first sought medical attention. If you’ve already left your job, you might still be eligible for workers’ compensation. However, you’ll have to file a claim within ten days of the incident to qualify.
Note that just because you’ve filed a claim doesn’t automatically mean that you’ll qualify. The office could reject your claim for a number of reasons. The more rejections you receive, the longer it will take the office to start paying out your benefits.
How do you know if you qualify?
If you’re not sure whether your workers’ compensation claim is valid, speak with an attorney. Many people qualify for these benefits and don’t even realize it. Often, victims just accept the consequences and damage and go back to work as though nothing had happened. Others don’t qualify and end up wasting their time trying to negotiate with their employer’s insurance company. An attorney might be able to tell you right away if you qualify, and if so, help you file your claim.