Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to provide you with the medical treatment you need to recover from your work related injury or illness, partially replace the wages you lose while you are recovering, and help you return to work. Workers’ compensation benefits do not include payments for pain and suffering or punitive damages.

Filing a claim form protects your rights and starts the workers’ compensation process. Your employer must give or mail you a claim form within one working day after learning about your injury or illness.

Your employer should fill out the “employer” section and forward the completed claim form to the insurance company. You should receive a copy of the completed claim form from your employer. If you don’t, request a copy and keep it for your records. Generally, the insurance company has 14 days to mail you a letter telling you the status of your claim.

You should hear whether your claim is accepted or denied from your employer or its claims administrator within 90 days from the date the completed claim form is given to your employer.

When a claim is denied, it means the claims administrator believes your injury is not covered by workers’ compensation. If the claims administrator sends you a letter denying your claim, you have a right to challenge the decision. Don’t delay, because there are deadlines for filing the necessary papers.