Accidents aren’t uncommon in the workplace. Every other day, it’s reported that somebody at the workplace suffered an injury. Some unfortunate people succumb to their injuries, while others are rendered disabled.
As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2.6 million non-fatal private sector workplace injuries were reported in 2021—an 8.9 percent increase from 2020. Around 18 percent of workplace injuries occur due to slips, falls, and trips.
New Jersey deserves a special mention in this regard, as the state witnessed around 75,800 injury and illness workplace accident cases in 2020.
There’s no denying that workplace injuries often are severe, and they may leave you workless for a few weeks. Despite that, you can make ends meet because short-term disability insurance has got you covered.
Through short-term disability coverage, you can receive financial assistance for three to six months. As navigating the insurance filing process is complicated, we’ve put together a few tips that will ease the process.
Table of Contents
#1 Report the Accident to Your Employer Right Away
One grave mistake workers commit when they get injured in the workplace is failing to report the accident immediately. Do not make this mistake. Report the accident to your employer right away. If you delay reporting the incident to your employer, it will raise doubts about the claim’s legitimacy.
Reporting the accident immediately also ensures that the necessary paperwork and documentation can be prepared without delay.
#2 Seek Medical Attention
It doesn’t matter whether your injury is minor or major; seeking medical attention is important. Many times, employees skip visiting a doctor because their injury appears minor. Later, they have to pay hefty prices. That’s because minor injuries, when left untreated, become fatal.
A medical professional will conduct a thorough checkup, which will help in identifying hidden injuries that could surface later. Whatever tests you go through will serve as evidence that can be used when filing for a short-term disability insurance claim. It is crucial to correctly heed your doctor’s recommendations for this reason. Additionally, be sure to follow up with your doctor as needed.
#3 Familiarize Yourself With Your Employer’s Insurance Policy
Rhode Island offers both temporary caregiver insurance (TCI) and temporary disability insurance (TDI).
New Jersey (NJ), too, has its own TDI or temporary disability insurance program. Many confuse NJ short-term disability insurance with worker’s compensation, but it’s different from that. You can only apply for it if you have worked in NJ for 20 calendar weeks and earned a minimum of $169 weekly.
Dickstein Associates Agency reveals that many short-term disability insurance policies cover maternity leave. Women should opt for such policies to receive a part of their monthly roll when on leave.
With each state offering insurance programs through different mediums, chances are that coverage policies will vary from employer to employer. Hence, it’s best to ask your employer about their policy.
#4 Fill Out the Claim Form Carefully
Errors or omissions in claim forms can lead to rejections or delays, which you wouldn’t want. That is why you should fill out the form carefully. Once filled, double-check the details to make sure you’ve entered all information correctly, especially your medical records.
Your doctor will also have to fill out the Attending Physician’s Statement Form of the insurance company. Verify that again to ensure that their claim is consistent with your medical data.
You will have a good chance of being approved for short-term disability payments if all the information is entered accurately.
#5 Acquire Statements from Witnesses
You can strengthen your claim by gathering statements from coworkers who witnessed the accident. Your doctor’s statement will also serve as a testimony to the injuries you sustained. These statements will help the insurance company assess the severity of your injuries, and the chances of rejection will lessen.
A Final Word
Filing a disability is easy, but getting them approved is challenging. No matter how thoroughly documented your injury is, there’s always a chance of denial. While the reason behind claim denial varies from application to application, more often than not, failing an independent medical exam and late proof of loss is the reason behind the rejection of your application.
Remember that denial in claims isn’t always legally correct, giving you the leeway to submit your application again. If that happens, act quickly. Gather thorough evidence to support your claims. Rest assured; you’ll receive all the benefits that you deserve.
