Workmans Comp Lawyer in Van Buren

If you’ve been injured at work, your first concern might be how to cover your medical bills and monthly expenses. Walker & Harp is here to help. We represent injured workers in Van Buren and the surrounding communities to ensure that they’re made physically and financially whole after an injury.

Let us focus on ensuring you get the compensation you deserve while you focus on your physical and emotional healing.

Types of Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ comp in Arkansas covers injuries that occur on the job or are related to your working environment or conditions. This includes both physical injuries like burns, broken bones, carpal tunnel syndrome, and hearing loss, as well as occupational illnesses such as developing a respiratory disease orcancer.

Your injuries are covered by workers’ compensation, even if you are at fault. For example, if you made a mistake by using a machine incorrectly and sustained an injury, you are still eligible for workers’ comp benefits.

It’s vital that you report what happened immediately to your employer. A delay in reporting the incident can compromise your benefits.

There are some injuries not typically covered that you should be aware of. These include:

• Self-inflicted, deliberate injuries
• Injuries from misconduct, like horseplay or fighting
• Accidents and injuries sustained during your daily commute
• Injuries that occur while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Regardless of the circumstance or how black and white your case may seem, there are always exceptions. Contact us for a complimentary consultation.

What is Covered Under Workers’ Compensation?

Worker’s compensation is designed to cover all of the expenses that result from work-related injury or illness. Coverage falls into 5 categories:

1. Medical costs – Any costs related to the injury are covered, including the ambulance ride, visits to the doctor, physical therapy appointments, prescription medication, and other medical bills.
2. Lost wages – Arkansas employees are entitled to 66 2/3% of your wages, subject to a maximum. These wages are tax-free.
3. Ongoing care – You may need medical care or treatment over a more extended period, and workers’ compensation insurancealso covers these expenses. Examples of continuing care include surgery, visits to specialists, and rehabilitation.
4. Funeral costs and death benefits – In the tragic event of a fatality, workers’ comp covers the cost of the funeral. Some insurance will also provide death benefits. These support payments to the employee’s dependents allow the family to grieve without having to worry about expenses.
5. Disability benefits – You may also receive disability benefits, depending on the permanence of your injury. Disability status is classified as either total disability, temporary partial disability, or permanent partial disability.

How Do I Get Benefits Under Arkansas’ Workers’ Compensation Program?

The first step is to provide a written report of the incident to your employer. This report should include the place, time, date, and nature of your injury. The official form to file should be provided to you by your employer, and they are also accessible online.

Once you have filed the report, it is your employer’s duty to notify the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission and their insurance company that you have sustained a work-related injury.

You will be instructed to seek medical care. Follow the instructions you’re given about which doctor to see and be sure to describe your injury and symptoms in detail. If your injury requires immediateemergency care, and you were not able to consult with your employer before seeking treatment, an ER visit is still eligible for compensation.

Once your claim is approved, you should begin receiving compensation within 14 days.

Third-Party Claims

If your workplace injury was caused by someone other than your employer or another employee, your claim would a third-party claim. Third-party injuries are due to faulty equipment or contractors who are not company employees. When this happens, you would be entitled to compensation from the third party that was responsible for your injury.

About Van Buren

Van Buren is quite possibly the perfect place to call home. We believe that Van Buren offers residents the best of all worlds. It has an old-world charm that is a source of pride. And there’s no shortage of modern amenities, either. But perhaps our favorite thing about Van Buren is the school motto of “Every Child, Whatever It Takes!”

We Work to Maximize Your Compensation

We know firsthand that employers and insurance companies are motivated to pay the minimum, and they’re not going to lose a minute of sleep over what you’ve had to endure. Our team at Walker & Harp will work aggressively to represent you and maximize your compensation.

Call us today to learn about your options.