5 Things Every Injured Worker Should Know About Workers' Comp
Unfortunately, there is no handbook for workers who have been injured on the job. No playbook that tells you who to call, what to do, or which questions to ask. And, given that each workers’ comp claim is different, it’s difficult to compare your work injury to that of a friend or family members.
Being injured on the job can be a scary. The more prepared you are, the better off you and your workers’ comp claim will be. We’ve compiled a short list of the important things you should know after you’ve been injured on the job.
- Reporting Your Work Injury in Hawaii When it comes to Hawaii's workers' compensation system, reporting your work-related injury is of utmost importance. It is crucial to notify your employer about the injury as soon as possible. Hawaii has specific regulations regarding the timeframe for reporting injuries. For example, in Hawaii, you typically have up to 120 days from the date of the injury to inform your employer. Reporting your injury promptly is the initial step in the workers' comp process and is essential for filing a successful claim.
- Protection from Retaliation In Hawaii, as in all states, it's illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for filing a workers' compensation claim. This means that you cannot be terminated, demoted, or subjected to a pay cut or changes in job responsibilities as a result of seeking workers' compensation benefits. As an injured worker, it's vital to be aware of your rights and not hesitate to report your injury to the appropriate parties.
- Unique Hawaii Workers' Compensation Laws Hawaii's workers' compensation laws are distinct and can vary from other states. In Hawaii, for instance, employers may have the discretion to choose specific medical providers for injured employees. Understanding these state-specific differences is crucial when researching your eligibility for workers' comp benefits. To find the most relevant information, be sure to search for Hawaii-specific terms, such as "Hawaii Workers' Compensation Division" or "Hawaii Workers' Compensation Claim."
- Seek Legal Assistance When Needed In some cases, employers may deny workers' compensation claims in Hawaii. This could occur due to reasons such as claims related to non-physical injuries, like PTSD in first responders, or disputes about the injury's origin. If you encounter difficulties with a denied or delayed workers' comp claim, it's advisable to consider consulting an attorney who specializes in Hawaii workers' compensation laws. An attorney can advocate for your rights, helping secure benefits like medical treatment and wage replacement, and connect you with resources tailored to workers' comp injuries in Hawaii.
- Distinguishing Workers' Compensation from Healthcare Hawaii's workers' compensation is distinct from standard healthcare insurance. While you might opt for your employer's healthcare plan to cover routine medical needs, workers' compensation in Hawaii is a specialized insurance designed to cover the costs associated with on-the-job injuries. This includes expenses like prescription medications, wage replacement, travel costs, and medical treatment. It's essential to keep track of what aspects of your injury are work comp-related and what are not. Understanding this distinction will help you avoid potential issues related to claims denials or reimbursements.
Every workers' compensation claim in Hawaii is unique, and not all benefits are the same. If you've suffered a work-related injury in Hawaii, it's important to become familiar with Hawaii's workers' comp program and don't hesitate to seek external support if you encounter any issues. Having the right resources in place can make your recovery process less stressful during your time away from work.
