Kentucky Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

An injured back or neck, a broken arm or leg, a dislocated shoulder or hip, or an injury that built up over time from doing the same motions over and over, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, are all typical injuries that can happen while you are working. When you are in Kentucky or working for a Kentucky-based employer, you are likely covered under Kentucky workers’ compensation laws. This means that if you get hurt on the job or while acting within the scope of your employment duties, you can pursue benefits.

The Law Office of William C.O. Reaves, P.S.C., assists people who were injured on the job. With more than 40 years of experience, workers’ comp lawyer William Reaves helps clients get payment for their work injury medical expenses, a portion of any lost wages, and rehabilitation or retraining. He handles claims involving both permanent and temporary injuries. From his office in Ashland, he represents injured workers statewide.

What Every Employee Should Know About Workers’ Comp

Each state can create its own workers’ compensation system and rules. In Kentucky, you should know the following:

• You do not have to prove that your employer did something wrong. You must only show that you were injured on the job.
• You cannot be fired for making a workers’ compensation claim. Kentucky law specifically protects employees from being discharged or otherwise discriminated against for making a claim for benefits.
• There are no out-of-pocket medical expenses for work-related injuries. Any personal insurance you have or Medicare of Medicaid should never be billed for treatment of your work injury. Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company is responsible for those expenses, assuming you properly designated the physician to be in charge of your injury treatment. You will need to be sure your doctor bills the workers’ compensation company within 45 days of your treatment or the workers’ compensation insurance company will not be liable.
• You are entitled to medical treatment, and you can choose your own physician. Within certain guidelines, you are able to choose the doctor who will treat your injury. Inquire about how the designated physician process works.
• You must file a claim within two years of the date of the injury. This can be confusing; you must file within two years of the actual injury, not the completion of medical treatment or the receipt of medical bills. However, if you were off work long enough to receive temporary total disability checks from the workers’ compensation insurance company, your two-year statute of limitations begins when you receive the last check. Some unusual circumstances may even extend this period.
• You do not have to pay attorney fees out of pocket. Legal fees are set by state law and are paid from whatever amount is recovered on your behalf. When you work with Mr. Reaves, you do not owe him any attorney fees if he does not recover any money for you.

Common Workers’ Comp Injuries

The range of injuries covered by workers’ comp is broad. The system is designed to make sure that workers receive the necessary assistance for both minor and severe incidents. Here are some common types of work-related injuries:

• Repetitive motion injuries: Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis, often caused by repetitive tasks over a long period
• Falls: Injuries resulting from slipping on wet floors, tripping over obstacles or falling from heights
• Back and spinal injuries: Herniated discs, spinal cord damage and lower back strain from lifting or other activities
• Machine-related injuries: Harm caused by malfunctioning equipment or improper use of machinery, including amputations, lacerations and burns
• Chemical burns and inhalation injuries: Harm caused by exposure to harmful chemicals in the workplace
• Hearing loss: Often to prolonged exposure to loud noises without adequate ear protection
• Mental health issues: Conditions like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that are worsened or directly caused by work conditions

These are just a few of the many types of injuries and conditions that can qualify for workers’ comp if they are sufficiently work-related.

Workers’ Compensation FAQ

It’s normal to have questions after a work injury. Here is some general information to answer common questions:

Do I need to hire a lawyer for my workers’ comp claim?

While not mandatory, having an attorney can greatly enhance your chances of getting workers’ comp benefits, especially if your claim is challenging or has already been denied. An experienced lawyer such as Mr. Reaves can help ensure that all necessary documentation is properly filed, represent you in hearings and level the playing field.

What is the deadline for reporting a work injury?

In Kentucky, you should report any work-related injury to your employer as soon as you can. The official deadline is seven days after the accident or after discovering that an injury or illness is work-related. Delaying the report can jeopardize your ability to receive compensation.

Can I choose my own doctor?

Yes, in Kentucky, you have the right to choose your own doctor to treat your work injury or illness. However, your employer or their insurance company may require you to see a company doctor for an initial evaluation.

What steps should I take if my workers’ comp claim is denied?

You have the right to appeal the decision. The process involves filing a claim with the Kentucky Department of Workers’ Claims. It’s advisable to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney to guide you through the appeals process and help you take the right steps.

Get Help Pursuing Your Workers’ Comp Claim

Contact work injury lawyer William Reaves through a quick online contact form or by phone at 606-325-1154. He offers free consultations, so you have nothing to lose.