Being hurt on the job is frightening. Your expenses and your family’s expenses continue even though you are injured and out of work. Your medical expenses must be paid so that you can receive the medical treatment you need to recover from your accident. Workers’ comp in Indiana can be confusing and difficult to understand. You may feel overwhelmed — we can help!
You have the right to consult and to be represented by an attorney who practices workers’ comp in Indiana. The Ken Nunn Law Office has been helping injured workers throughout Indiana for over 48 years. Our experience and our knowledge of Indiana’s Workers’ Compensation laws can help you receive the compensation you are entitled to under workers’ compensation laws.
Do’s And Don’ts of an Indiana Workers’ Compensation Claim
Below is a quick list of things you need to do and things you should not do if you are injured at work.
- DO report your work injury even if you do not believe the injury is very serious, you will not miss any time from work, or you will not require medical care.
- DO report your workplace injury even if you are responsible for the injury. You may still be entitled to receive workers’ comp in Indiana.
- DO immediately retain an attorney who has experience handling workers’ comp in Indiana to protect your right to receive benefits for your workplace injury.
- DO keep a detailed record of your lost wages, medical expenses, and other expenses related to your workplace injury. You may be entitled to reimbursement for other expenses such as parking fees and mileage but you must have a record and receipts.
- DO see a physician immediately, keep all follow-up appointments, and follow all treatment plans.
- DO tell your attorney and your doctor if your employer is trying to force you to violate work restrictions.
- DON’T provide a recorded statement to the workers’ compensation insurance company until after you have consulted with a workers’ compensation attorney
- DON’T forget to discuss your permanent injuries, scarring, and disfigurement with an attorney experienced in workers’ comp in Indiana. You may be entitled to additional compensation.
- DON’T discuss your accident or injuries with any party other than your physician and your workers’ compensation attorney unless your attorney advises you to do so.
- DON’T miss any doctor’s appointments, therapy appointments, or workers’ compensation hearings or meetings.
- DON’T attempt to perform any work that violates your work restrictions.
Questions About Worker’s Comp Claims in Indiana
We understand you may have questions about filing a workers’ compensation claim. Below are answers to the most common questions we receive about filing for workers’ compensation in Indiana.
- Can I file a lawsuit against my employer? In most cases, you cannot file a lawsuit against your employer. Workers’ comp in Indiana is an exclusive remedy when you are injured on the job. However, if your employer initially did something to hurt you, you should notify your attorney immediately to determine if you may have an action outside of the workers’ compensation system.
- What benefits am I entitled to receive? Workers’ compensation will pay roughly 2/3 of your lost wages and reasonable, customary medical expenses. You may also be eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation or retraining if you are unable to return to your previous type of work.
- Are Independent Contractors covered by workers’ compensation? No, only employees are covered by workers’ compensation. If you believe the employer is incorrectly identifying you as an independent contractor to avoid a workers’ compensation claim, contact our office immediately to discuss your situation with an attorney.
- What is Maximum Medical Improvement? Your employer and/or its insurance carrier must pay for medical care until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI means that no additional medical care or treatment will improve your injury any further. In other words, you have recovered as much as possible. If you have a permanent disability after reaching MMI, you may be entitled to compensation for the permanent disability.
Contact an Indiana Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you have additional questions about workers’ comp in Indiana, please contact our office for a free legal consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. You can contact The Ken Nunn Law Office by calling 1-800-CALL-KEN or 1-800-225-5536.
