How does the injured worker file a workers compensation claim?
A. The injured worker should first report the injury to their employer and obtain an employee’s claim form from the employer. The injured worker fills out the top half of the form and the employer fills out the bottom. The injured worker is given a copy of the form and the form is sent to the employers workers’ compensation carrier. Within 14 days of reporting the injury, the injured worker should hear from the carrier. The carrier will either accept, deny, or investigate the claim. The carrier has 90 days to investigate the claim without providing benefits. If the injured worker is unable to work, due to the injury that is being investigated, he may check with state disability to see if he qualifies for disability payments. If the employer refuses to provide an employee’s claim form to the injured worker, they may obtain one from any Division of Workers’ Compensation information and assistance office. They may also consult a workers’ compensation attorney. There is no charge for the i
