Attorney or Paralegal?

Heat Stress And Strokes: When Working Conditions Are Too Hot To Handle

Those that work in hot spaces or outdoors are often thought to be used to the heat of the job. Your body can adjust to hotter than normal conditions after a time, but that doesn't mean that workers should not be able to benefit from worker's comp, when they overheat. Read on to find how workers' compensation insurance views heat-related injuries and how to ensure you get the benefits you need and deserve.

Heat-related Injuries and What to Expect

While heat can kill, it might simply put you out of work for some time while you recuperate. To get the coverage you need, take the following steps:

1. Seek medical treatment as soon as you feel ill. Heat stress can progress to heat stroke without treatment. Whether you are transported by a coworker or by ambulance, seek medical treatment immediately.

2. You don't need to have an approval from the workers' compensation insurance agency before you go to the urgent care center or emergency room. Be sure to let the facility know that your injury is work-related.

3. Inform your supervisor that you have a work-related injury and wish to file a workers' compensation claim. In some locations, your supervisor completes the claim and in some locations the hurt worker does it. The claim should be filed as soon as possible after the incident.

Taking Action for Denied Claims

Heat-related injuries are definitely a covered injury, but you may still encounter issues with your claim. If you have done the right thing and sought medical treatment, then you have proof of the injury. Unfortunately, some insurers will drag their feet and deny claims, for issues like heat stress and stroke, by alleging that the illness did not affect your ability to work at your job enough to warrant coverage. If approved, you can have your medical bills relating to the injury paid and have a few days off, while you recover and are paid a disability wage.

You have rights, when it comes to work-related injuries and workers' compensation. If you have been denied your benefits, phone the insurance carrier and get more details about the denial. See if you can correct any inaccuracies or mistakes on the claim form and re-file your claim. If you are met with delays, ignored, or harassed by your employer, seek legal help from a workers' compensation lawyer. You are entitled to appeal any adversarial rulings, and there is a process in place to address denials. Seek worker's compensation attorney services for help with your case.


Share