When a workplace accident happens, employees can be comforted with the knowledge that workers’ compensation insurance exists to help them during this time. Through this, they are provided coverage for any damages relating to the accident. This includes wage replacement and medical benefits. Continue reading below to learn more about how to recover this compensation.
How is a Claim Classified?
Illinois workers’ compensation claims are classified into two categories:
- Medical-only: The injured worker missed seven or fewer days of work due to their workplace injury. They can receive treatment and/or benefits while they can still report to work.
- Lost-time: This claim means that the employee missed more than eight days of work due to their injuries.
How do I File a Claim?
In the state of Illinois, not only the injured party can file a claim for workers’ compensation. Interested parties, such as an employer or spouse, can do so as well. The doctor treating them can file as well. In doing so, they can submit the claim online, through a First Report of an Injury (FROI) form, or by phone. If a doctor files the claim, they can submit it to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) or the managed care organization (MCO). This must be done within 24 hours of the injured party’s visit.
Appealing a Claim Decision
When a claim is filed, it will be reviewed to be either approved or denied. The decision will be made by a Claims Service Specialist. Once this is done, either party involved in the process has 14 days to file an appeal if they wish to do so. This means if the injured employee or their employer disagrees with the decision, they can fight to overturn it. This must be done with the Industrial Commission of Ohio through a Notice of Appeal form. The Industrial Commission of Ohio will hear the dispute in an administrative hearing. When an appeal is filed, the Commission notifies all parties of the date, time, and location of the hearing two weeks before it takes place.
Contact
If you have become the victim of an on the job injury, it may be beneficial to speak with an attorney and the doctor that is treating you to determine how to make the process as easy as possible. AllianceMeds understands that a workplace accident can be challenging and is here to help. We will deliver your medication to your door using overnight delivery and cover any out of pocket expenses that may arise. If you have any questions about how we can help, contact AllianceMeds today.