Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky Workers’ Compensation
Answers from an accomplished Bowling Green lawyer
Whether you were hurt in an industrial accident, contracted an illness due to hazardous substances associated with your job or suffer from any other employment-related medical problem, you should understand your rights under Kentucky’s workers’ compensation law. My firm, Michael D. Lindsey, in Bowling Green, delivers honest, effective counsel for employees who need to file workers’ compensation claims and appeals. I’ll simplify the process and answer any questions you might have, such as:
- What should I do if I am injured at work?
- Are all Kentucky employers required to maintain workers’ compensation coverage?
- What benefits would I receive from workers’ compensation coverage?
- Which injuries and disabilities are covered under workers’ compensation law?
- If my initial workers’ compensation claim is denied, can I appeal?
No matter how complex the situation might seem, I am an aggressive workers’ compensation advocate who will compile the relevant factual and medical evidence to demonstrate that you deserve relief.
Contact a Kentucky workers’ compensation lawyer for a free consultation
At Michael D. Lindsey, in Bowling Green, I represent injured Kentucky employees in workers’ compensation actions and other legal matters. Please call 270-282-4710 or contact me online to schedule a free initial consultation.
What should I do if I am injured at work?
If you’ve been hurt in a job accident or have contracted an illness related to your work, notify your employer immediately. Your employer should give you the applicable forms and might identify a doctor you need to see to have your condition evaluated. Once that occurs, you should receive benefits, but if your employer or your employer’s insurance company challenges your claim, it’s best to find a qualified workers’ compensation attorney to bolster your case.
Are all Kentucky employers required to maintain workers’ compensation coverage?
Aside from exceptions that apply to certain fields, such as agriculture and government work, all Kentucky employers are required to offer workers’ compensation coverage through a carrier or self-insurance arrangement. Workers’ compensation confers benefits on injured employees regardless of whether the business that employs them is at fault or not. Employees do have the option to waive workers’ compensation coverage by executing what is known as a Form 4 Waiver, which allows the injured worker to maintain the right to recover damages in a personal injury action if the employer is at fault. Businesses cannot force their employees to waive their rights.
What benefits would I receive from workers’ compensation coverage?
Medical costs are paid as part of workers’ compensation benefits for much more than doctor and hospital bills. The costs of prescription drugs, occupational therapy, rehabilitation treatments and travel expenses associated with your medical treatment can also be reimbursed. While you’re unable to work, you can collect two-thirds of your average weekly wage up to the state limit, which is $868.47 for 2019.
Which injuries and disabilities are covered under workers’ comp law?
Injuries that occur during the regular course of someone’s job and diseases caused by exposure to hazardous materials at the workplace are covered by workers’ compensation. Benefits are available in response to one-time incidents or conditions such as hearing loss that develop over time. If you drive a vehicle as part of your job duties and get in an accident, a workers’ compensation claim would be valid, but not collisions that occur while you’re commuting to and from work.
If my initial workers’ compensation claim is denied, can I appeal?
Your workers’ compensation claim might be denied because of suspicions that your injury is not connected to your job or because you lack proper medical documentation. If your claim was rejected, you can request a benefit review conference before an administrative law judge. After that, an appeal can be lodged with the state’s Workers’ Compensation Board. This process can be lengthy, so it’s important to understand the potential timeframe before you decide how to proceed.
