What is Workers Compensation Insurance?
If you are injured on the job, workers’ compensation in Nebraska acts as insurance and prevents you from suffering lost wages or having to pay medical costs
Accidental injuries can have devastating impacts on your health. Unfortunately, in addition to leaving you with heavy medical expenses, they can also prevent you from working, resulting in long weeks or months of lost wages. When these injuries happen on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation through your employer. Our Omaha workers’ compensation attorneys explain how it acts as a type of insurance, protecting your financial security and preventing you from having to pay out-of-pocket.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance and Benefits it Provides
Workers’ compensation insurance is a federally mandated program that is operated by each state. The U.S. Department of Insurance advises that it is designed to protect workers who are injured or suffer an occupational illness on the job or in the course of their employment.
In Nebraska, Workers’ compensation is required by all companies or businesses that have at least one employer. It is available whether you work full or part-time, as well as when you are either a permanent, temporary, or seasonal worker. Benefits available through the Nebraska workers’ compensation insurance program include:
- Payment of all medical costs related to occupational injuries or illnesses;
- Payment for missed work while you recover;
- Disability benefits, in the event your injury or illness prevents you from working or performing certain tasks;
- Job retraining, in the event you are unable to return to your prior occupation;
- Death benefits for surviving family members if your injuries or illness end up proving fatal.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Insurance Claim in Nebraska
Omaha workers’ compensation insurance benefits are issued through the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court (WCC). They will review your claim and determine whether your injury or illness is job-related, as well as the overall amount of benefits you are entitled to. When applying for benefits, it is important to do the following:
- Report your injury or illness immediately to your employer;
- Make sure that an accident report is filed and includes details about what happened;
- Seek immediate medical care from a designated medical provider and make sure to provide a history to your medical provider detailing how the injury happened at work;
- Follow your medical provider’s instructions in terms of care and work or other activity restrictions;
In the event your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you have the right to file a Petition with the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court.
Request a Consultation With Our Omaha Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
Workers’ compensation insurance acts as a safety net, protecting workers who suffer injuries or illnesses as a result of their jobs. At Andres Law Offices, PC LLO, we guide you through filing a claim, protecting your rights, and helping you get the maximum benefits. To request a consultation with our Omaha workers’ compensation attorneys, call or contact our office online today.