In Washington, employers are required to utilize a worker’s compensation policy to cover employee injuries. These policies provide full coverage for medical treatment for the injury. They also provide monetary benefits to cover wages lost during recovery. However, some terms of these policies may lead to a denial of full coverage. A Personal Injury Law Firm in Tacoma WA represents the employees who are denied coverage with a qualifying injury.
Filing a Claim Before the Statute Runs Out
Under Washington personal injury laws, the statute of limitations for personal injuries is three years. This applies to worker-related injuries as well. The employee must file a formal claim before the third anniversary of the accident that produced their injuries. Any failure to file leads to a forfeiture of their rights to any form of compensation.
Reviewing How the Injuries Occurred
The injury must occur while the worker is performing job duties to qualify for worker’s compensation. They must be clocked in and working the day of the accident. If they are visited and become injured, the injury is covered under premise’s liabilities. However, the employee is covered if they are working for the company at a different work site.
Examining the Claim’s Adjuster’s Assessment
The claim’s adjuster must assess the worker’s compensation claim. They must determine if the injury qualifies according to the terms of the policy. They must also determine if they are qualified to acquire monetary benefits through the policy. If the claim’s adjuster denies the claim, they must designate the exact reason. The attorney reviews this reason based on the terms of the policy and worker’s compensation laws.
The Terms of the Policy
The terms of the policy must define any limitations that could disqualify the worker. The most common term that disqualifies a work-related injury is a failure to follow policy. The employee must wear appropriate work gear as directed by company policy.
In Washington, employers must follow all worker’s compensation laws. These laws require insurance coverage for all work-related injuries through appropriate policies. A worker who is denied coverage has the right to file a formal claim.
