Workers’ compensation benefits pay for medical expenses related to a workplace injury or chronic condition which occurs because of employment. Injured employees also can be compensated for the income lost while they are unable to work at their usual jobs.
To ensure you get the proper compensation you deserve, follow these important steps as soon as you realize you are ill or injured at work–even if you have been hurt after working hours. In certain circumstances, your injury could still qualify you for benefits.
1. Get Appropriate Medical Care Immediately if You Are Seriously injured
Your life and health are paramount in these situations. So, before doing anything else, get medically stabilized and treated at the nearest hospital emergency room or urgent care center.
2. Tell Your Employer or Direct Supervisor That You Have Been Hurt
In the case of less serious injury, tell your boss or employer that you have been injured at work within 10 days of the incident. Then, it’s your employer’s duty to inform you of where you can seek care from an approved medical services provider.
In the state of Colorado, most hospitality services and public and construction employers utilize Pinnacol Assurance as their workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
Your employer should inform you by letter which health care provider to use, and you should initiate the claim process with Pinnacol Assurance right away. The state of Colorado has deadlines for filing claims–typically within two years of the injury.
3. Keep Detailed Records of Your Medical Evaluation and Claims Paperwork
Your Pinnacol Assurance claims representative, your employer, and your healthcare provider will assist you in this process. At WorkPartners Occupational Health, our highly skilled workers’ comp team will guide you through the oftenconfusing web of paperwork and deadlines required to receive your due compensation and other benefits.
What Happens If I Have Been Injured at Work After Hours?
This is a question many people ask. In general, you can still file a workers’ compensation claim in the same way you would if you were injured during working hours. If you on your work premises after hours and you were carrying out duties your supervisor had asked you to do, you have a case to file a claim.
While in general you are not covered if you are injured while you are on the way to work or you’re not officially “on the clock,” there are some exceptions. Additionally, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim if you were injured onsite during your lunch hour or break time.
However, you cannot qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if you were injured in your place of employment after hours and were not specifically asked or directed to perform job tasks. Plus, if you were injured at work after hours while engaging in horseplay, fighting or some kind of criminal activity (vandalism or theft as examples), your injuries will not qualify.
WorkPartners Occupational Health Helps Individuals Who Sustain Work-Related Injuries
Our professional team is here to assist you with any and all workplace injuries and to help you file your workers’ compensation claims. To learn more about the claims process or to get treatment from one of our providers, please call us at (970) 241-5585. We look forward to serving you!
