Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim

How to File a Claim in Kentucky

At Kentucky Injury Law Center, we dedicate much of our practice to helping everyday working Kentuckians successfully receive workers’ compensation benefits following an on the job accident. Our Bowling Green attorneys can walk you through every stage of the workers’ comp process, including how to file a Kentucky workers’ comp claim. Navigating the system and deciphering the paperwork involved can be tricky—we are here to make it easy for you.

The Workers’ Compensation Claims Process

In Kentucky, you have two years from the date of your workplace accident to file a workers’ compensation claim. If you developed a work-related injury or illness over time—such as carpal tunnel or lung cancer, for instance—you have two years from the date that you discovered your ailment to file.

The best course of action, however, is to initiate the claims process as soon as you possibly can. After you have been injured at work, both you and your employer have certain responsibilities to fulfill—ideally within 30 days of the incident.

When a work injury occurs, your employer is responsible for:

• Presenting you with the appropriate paperwork
• Filing a worker’s comp claim with their insurer
• Complying with Kentucky law for reporting work-related injuries
• Offering you guidance and support

At the same time, it is your job to do the following as soon as possible:

• Notify your employer of the accident in writing
  • Include the date, time, what injuries you sustained, and how it occurred
• File a formal workers’ comp claim with the state

Once your claim has been filed, it will be up to the insurer to determine whether you are eligible for benefits. If your claim is approved, the insurer will reach out to you regarding payment, which can be negotiated. If the insurer believes you do not qualify for workers’ comp benefits, the claim will be denied. Fortunately, you can appeal a denied claim for a second chance at receiving benefits.

How an Attorney Can Help

You may think you only need an attorney if your employer denies your claim. However, even if your claim goes unchallenged, a lawyer can still act as a trusted advisor throughout the process. Filing a claim through Kentucky’s Department of Workers' Claims isn’t always straightforward. Even if the claim is found compensable, the insurance company will not tell you what benefits and rights you are entitled to. Our attorneys and staff has the knowledge to ensure you get what you deserve under the law.

If you are met with difficulties, such as your claim does get denied or your employer refuses to comply with the process, a lawyer can be an invaluable ally. An experienced lawyer can represent you during any required hearings or stand up to your employer on your behalf. Working with a lawyer also makes the process much easier and run far more smoothly.

Consider hiring an experienced attorney if an insurance company:

• Reduces or denies your benefits
• Makes a quick settlement offer, especially if the amount seems low
• Ignores your requests for more information or seems to have forgotten about your claim entirely

We understand that this may be a difficult time for you. Fortunately, you don’t have to do this alone. We offer free consultations to all new clients, so feel free to contact us with any of your concerns and we will be happy to help.

Call (270) 423-0023 today to speak with a lawyer near you.