What to Do After an Injury at Work in Kentucky

Workplace injuries are, unfortunately, a common occurrence in Kentucky. Common workplace injuries in Kentucky include:

• Repetitive motion injuries – These types of workplace injuries can be caused by performing the same movement repeatedly or by wear-and-tear from working over long periods. Common repetitive motion injuries include bursitis, carpal tunnel, and tendonitis.
• Fall-related injuries – Falls are common in the workplace, particularly for those employed in the construction industry. Falls can result in fractures, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and death.
• Auto injuries – Auto injuries that occur while employees are engaged in work-related activities are considered workplace injuries for the purpose of determining workers’ compensation eligibility. In addition, auto accidents can result in separate claims for personal injury, if caused by the negligence of another. Auto accidents can result in a number of serious ailments.

Workers’ Compensation

Every state requires employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which is intended to compensate injured employees for work-related injuries. Workers’ compensation typically covers multiple employee expenses, including the following:

• Medical costs, including diagnosis and treatment, prescriptions, doctor appointments, surgery, and medical equipment.
• Vocational rehabilitation benefits.
• Lost wages.

In Kentucky, an injured worker may be eligible to receive compensation when:

• The injured worker qualifies as an “employee” under Kentucky law – Generally speaking, this includes most anyone working for a business or industry; however, there are exceptions.
• The employee was injured during the performance of his or her job-related duties – The employee must be able to demonstrate that he or she was injured as a result of performing his or her job-related duties.

Injured at Work? Here’s What to Do

Following a workplace injury in Kentucky, the following steps should be taken:

• Notify a supervisor as soon as possible following the injury – One’s immediate supervisor should be notified of the accident as soon as possible. At a minimum, an injured employee should provide his or her employer with the following information:
  – When and where the accident occurred;
  – How the accident occurred; and
  – The injury symptoms being experienced.
• Immediately seek medical treatment – As is the case with any injury, medical treatment should be sought as soon as possible following a workplace accident. With some exceptions, an injured employee in Kentucky is free to choose his or her own physician. In addition, an injured employee in Kentucky should ask his or her physician to immediately report the status of the injury and any work limitations to both the insurance carrier and employer, as prompt reporting ensures the quick payment of benefits and assists doctors and employers in facilitating the return of injured employees to work.

Failure to report a workplace injury may result in the employee’s claim being denied. After being notified of a workplace injury, an employer in Kentucky should notify its insurance carrier and report the claim to the Kentucky Department of Worker’s Claims.

Consult with a Kentucky workers’ compensation attorney – Even if your workplace injury is being covered by workers compensation, it is highly recommended that you consult with an experienced Kentucky workers’ compensation attorney about your situation. There are time deadlines involved with any injury, and a failure to act promptly can result in the immediate and total loss of benefits, without warning or notice. At Saladino & Schaaf, our experienced Kentucky workers’ compensation attorneys will ensure that you are fully apprised of your legal rights and provided with the most effective representation possible. Our highly skilled legal professionals will work diligently to pursue your claim and ensure that your legal rights are protected. If you’ve been injured in the workplace, please contact one of our experienced workers compensation attorneys for a consultation.