November 29, 2021 | Workers' compensation

Have you been injured while on the job? It can be difficult to determine whether you’re entitled to benefits and what benefits you can claim. The good news is that workers’ compensation laws in Nebraska allow you to seek compensation for injuries on the job or illnesses related to workplace hazards.

Are you eligible for workers compensation?

The state of Nebraska requires all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Therefore all employees within the state are eligible to receive these benefits when they suffer workplace injuries. There are a few exceptions to this. Federal and railroad employees as well as individuals who are self-employed are not covered by worker’s compensation. Some agricultural employees may not be covered unless their employer elected to provide coverage.

Other employees are eligible for these benefits as long as they were injured in an incident that occurred while carrying out their usual daily duties. However, it is important to show that the injury did not occur as a result of your negligence. You may also file for benefits if you have developed a condition as a result of repeated movements or actions you were undertaking over years at your job.

Speak to a workers’ compensation attorney in Nebraska to determine whether you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Contact us to book an appointment with an experienced attorney.

3 Steps to Take after a Workplace Injury in Nebraska

Suffering a workplace injury can be devastating. It will not only cause you physical pain but also put a financial strain on both you and your family. Not only will you be unable to work for a while but you will also be faced with mounting medical bills. Those who suffer severe workplace injuries may even find that they are unable to engage in activities to earn money for the rest of their life.

Workers compensation is designed to provide a financial cushion in these situations. Unfortunately many employers and their insurance companies seek ways to avoid having to pay or reduce the amount they are required to pay as workers compensation. It is therefore important to take the right steps following your accident and ensure that you’re in the best position to seek worker’s compensation. The following are steps you must take to improve your chances of success when filing a claim for worker’s compensation.

1. Report your injury

Different organizations have different policies for reporting workplace injuries. However, in general you will have to make some kind of report to inform your employer about your injury. The official accident report is about much more than simply alerting your employer to your injury. It is an important piece of evidence that will be used to prove that you were injured at work and that your employer was aware of the injury. You should therefore be clear and specific about when the accident occurred and how it occurred. Make this report as soon as possible after the accident and be sure to secure a copy of the report as you will need it when filing your claim for compensation.

2. Get medical care

This step is very important not just for your health but also for a successful claim. If you neglect getting care as soon as possible after the accident, you will put yourself at risk of developing complications from the injury. It is important to seek medical assistance even if you feel that the injury isn’t serious. You may not feel the true impact of your injuries until several days or even weeks later.

Not getting medical assistance as soon as possible will also put your claim for compensation at risk. Health care professionals will examine you and ascertain the true extent of your injuries. The doctor’s report will be important in proving that your injuries were caused by the accident.

3. Speak to a workers’ compensation attorney

The workers’ compensation process in Nebraska is designed to be simple enough to file a claim without the need of professional legal representation. However, many people that have attempted to file a claim will tell you that the claims process isn’t as simple and as straightforward as it ought to be. Employers and insurance companies will do all they can to avoid making a loss by paying the compensation.

It is therefore important to speak to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible after the accident. Your attorney will assess your case and determine what your case is worth. They will file your claim on your behalf and handle all aspects of seeking workers’ compensation thereafter.

Hiring an experienced workers’ compensation attorney will not only help to improve your chances of success when filing your claim but will also allow you to focus on recovering from your injury. Get in touch with us to speak to experienced workers’ compensation attorneys in Nebraska. We’ll fight to secure just compensation for your injuries.  Contact us at 402-933-3345.

Workers Compensation Nebraska