The success or failure of a workers' compensation claim partly depends on how well a claimant adheres to the time restrictions associated with the process. This article discusses some of the tasks that you should perform promptly to avoid unnecessary hurdles to your claim.

Employer Notification

All jurisdictions have time limits regarding how soon a worker must alert his or her employer when an injury or illness develops due to work done by the affected individual. The time limits usually vary depending on the situation. For instance, one jurisdiction may impose a longer time limit on reporting a disease that one develops as a result of his/her employment because diseases usually take longer to be detected.

Time limits are often shorter for injuries because one can know as soon as an injury occurs. Prompt notification of the employer also serves the added purpose of removing any doubt about where the injury happened since witnesses may be readily available. The circumstances surrounding that incident are also fresh in your mind (so you can provide a detailed report).

Filing Your Claim

Another deadline that you need to be aware of regards how soon you should file your claim once you are injured or ill due to work-related factors. It is common to find that the window for filing your claim is shorter than the time allowed to alert your employer. It is advisable that you should collaborate with the legal team for your employer so that your claim reaches the insurance company at the earliest time possible.

The added benefit of filing that claim quickly is that you will avoid having to meet your treatment costs using your health insurer. Prompt filing of claims often results in the receipt of benefits sooner.

Filing a Petition

It is also important for you to file your petition promptly in case the insurance company rejects your claim or you are not satisfied with the benefits that they are offering you. Your petition has to be lodged in the appropriate court within a set timeline from the time your claim was denied. The court will then set dates when both parties to the case can argue their sides before the matter is resolved.

It is evident that plays a critical role when you are seeking compensation for a workplace injury or illness. Work with a workers compensation lawyer so that you avoid making a mistake during all steps of the process.