Getting hurt on the job often makes people feel anxious about their job security and finances. They know they might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, but they may not be sure of how to access those benefits.
In scenarios where employers have a first aid or medical station on-site, employees often receive immediate care at work before they leave to see an off-site professional. They could incur hundreds or thousands of dollars in testing expenses and emergency trauma care.
Can employees expect workers’ compensation to cover the cost of their treatment even if they have not filed a claim yet?
Backdated benefits are available
Workers’ compensation can provide backdated benefits in certain circumstances. Employees seeking emergency care immediately after an incident can often submit bills for the services they received to workers’ compensation for payment or reimbursement. While it is incumbent upon injured workers to report their condition to supervisors as soon as possible and to initiate a claim promptly, they can seek care before they receive approval for their claim.
Even in cases involving denied benefits, it may be possible to secure backdated medical coverage to pay for an employee’s medical treatment during an appeal. Especially in cases where workers require trauma care or surgery immediately after an incident, those backdated benefits can make a major difference.
Communicating with an attorney about a workers’ compensation matter can help workers optimize their benefits and understand their rights. Those who need care immediately, and those initially denied benefits, may still be able to rely on workers’ compensation coverage to pay for their treatment expenses.