Need help filing a workers’ comp claim in Kentucky? We will guide you through the entire process from start to finish.
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.
What to Do After a Workplace Injury
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:
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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.
Case Results
Your Success Is Our Success-
Accident in Company Truck Settlement $150,000
J.W. had worked as a truck driver for over 10 years when he was involved in an accident while driving. J.W. thought he would be ok and did not seek immediate attention; however, that turned out not to be the case. He sought medical treatment and even though the insurance carrier paid for some of the medical treatment, it quickly paid its own doctor to state all of J.W.’s symptoms were not related to the accident.
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Injured Delivery Person
It started with a call –someone had slammed into the back of our client’s car while the client was on the job. The other driver had tried to pass our client over a solid yellow line because he didn’t see that she was turning. Our client had neck surgery and didn’t know what to do.
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Settlement for Hydraulic Equipment Injury $150,000
K.G. injured his neck while working on hydraulic equipment. Initially, the insurance carrier argued that his neck condition was a degenerative condition and that it was not responsible for paying for any medical treatment.
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Settlement for Utility Lineman Falling on the Job $100,000
N.W. suffered serious injuries after falling from 20 feet working as a utility lineman. The insurance company paid for N.W.’s medical bills and paid him TTD income benefits when N.W. was released from work, the insurance carrier sent him a settlement offer for $20,000.00 to settle his work compensation claim.
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Severed Thumb on the Job Settlement $70,000
Like many injured workers, J.H. thought his employer would take care of him after injury severing part of his thumb while helping the employer is a secondary business. The employer tried to claim that J.H. was not an employee of the secondary business and the insurance company denied giving J.H. any income or medical benefits.
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Shoulder Injury Settlement $150,000
A.M. was an employee of a government agency in Louisville. He injured his shoulder at work and was not sure what the next steps were to take as he did not think he could return to his old job.
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Workers' Compensation for a Police Officer $150,000
Our client was a 30 year veteran for law enforcement officer whose career ended after a tragic shooting. The officer had worked his way up the chain of command, starting as a patrol officer and ending as a Lieutenant.
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Workers' Compensation for Traumatic Brain Injury $350,000
J.P. had been a hard worker all his life. He had worked at his employer for over 26 years, rarely missing a day. However, it only took one day for his life to change when a compressed coil spring got loose and struck him in the head, causing to fall and injure his back as well. J.P. suffered both a traumatic brain injury and traumatic back injury requiring several surgeries.
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Workers' Compensation Settlement $130,000
J.D. approached Kentucky Injury Law Center after the insurance denied his claim. JD had previously undergone back surgery but had fully recovered from that surgery when he injured his back while working for his new employer.
