Workmens comp or health coverage?

Question

I need to know your opinion. I had an accident at work a few months ago,it was reported. I hurt my heel.I reside in NY and I happen to have excellent healthcare coverage.I am still having major problems with my heel and I need to see a doctor.Im wondering what would be the best way to file this claim? Workmens compensation or simply use my health coverage? Please tell me the pros and cons of using either,I am concerned that I may need a surgery and will lose too much money not being in work.

Answer 1

On a job related injury you ALWAYS need to file workman's comp. It is not your regular insurance's responsibility to cover this and filing on your regular insurance can now make the whole incident and injury a "pre-exsisting" condition which could limit some of your futher coverage options.
Sometimes "pre-exsisting" conditions can excluded by futher insurance carriers or at the least,give you a period of non coverage for that particular condition.
Even if they do take your "pre-exsisting" condition it could cause your rates to be higher than they are now. . .not a good price to pay for being a hero and using your own insurance.
There may also be a possiblity that this injury could cause you further problems in the future and if that does happen and you have filed your own insurance rather than workman's comp.,you may not have insurance at all at the time you need it so you would be out of luck.
Workman Comp Attorney's can get you the adaquate coverage that you may need for future coverage so don't give it up to your own insurance.
Some employers will post notices as to whether they have workmans comp. insurance or not but don't let that stop you if your employer does not carry it. . . he most certainly has or SHOULD have some other kind of insurance to cover this and IF they don't,this is their problem not yours.
Your biggest question at this point should be. . .Is there anyway your employer can make this injury your fault out of your neglect to follow proper protocol to avoid such injuries,such as failure to wear proper foot gear. . . .this is the tactic they use to get out of their responsibility.
Did you make any kind of statement right after the incident to let people know "I'm OK" because this can be turned against you.
Call a Workmans Comp.Attorney. Don't try to handle this yourself because most of those that do usually end up on the short end of the stick.And for God's Sake,don't talk to anyone any further about this incident except for your Attorney.

Answer 2

Worker's compensation is responsible for it. If you have the surgery and it is deemed as an on the job injury, your health coverage will not pay the claim. My husband was injured on the job and this is what we learned. Worker's compensation is responsible for paying you a weekly check and covering the cost of surgery and any related medications. You will probably end up with an attorney because worker's comp will be difficult to deal eith.

Answer 3

Work comp will pay your wages and all cost of surgery and meds, health care has deductibles and you will not be paid wages while off work. Also wages from work comp are not taxed and that helps at end of year.