If you have recently been hurt on the job, there are many different questions that need to be answered and it is also important that you remain focused on important medical care. An Alberta work related injury lawyer is there to help you understand what is required when going in front of the workers’ compensation board. Having an attorney to advise you through this process can be instrumental in reducing your own stress.
The Workers’ Compensation Board
Unless a specific industry has been exempted under the workers’ compensation regulation, an employee and employer are automatically bound to the workers’ comp system in Alberta. Navigating this process can be very complicated. The board exists to help all involved parties with workplace injuries but is made up of people who can make unreasonable decisions or errors in some situations, like all administrative bodies.
There are multiple instances in which an injured worker has legitimate grounds to seek review or appeal of a WCB decision. The act, however, limits the grounds on which an employee can seek review or appeal of a WCB decision, making it all the more important to retain an experienced lawyer for this process.
Types of Work-Related Injuries
Many different work-related injuries can happen on the job, including those impacting your brain as well as vehicle accidents. Slip and fall accidents are some of the most common work-related incidents that can lead to serious consequences and long recovery periods.
Whether involved in a vehicle accident while you were in the process of a work task or slipped and fell, you could be entitled to compensation for the damages and injuries, but only if you take prompt action to file the injury claim and to notify the employer and the WCB about the accident.
What Can You Get in A Work-Related Injury Case in Alberta?
The recovery of compensation in a work-related injury case in Alberta will depend on your circumstances but these workers’ compensation benefits can only be paid out to a worker who is employed while carrying out work related duties.
Outside of employment context, personal injury claims filers are eligible for general damages which are intended to compensate for pain and suffering. In some cases the WCB will provide for a one-time lump payment based on measurable clinical impairment and this is known as noneconomic loss payment. Understanding all of the different types of damages available to you should be a conversation for your Alberta work related injury lawyer.
The Process of Going Through A Work-Related Injury Case
Going through a work-related injury case can be overwhelming especially since the primary focus of the WCB is getting you back to work as soon as possible. After contacting emergency services in relation to the accident, an injured employee needs to notify their employer, a doctor and the WCB. The WCB must be notified about this injury within 24 months of the incident itself. This can be very problematic for those people who develop workplace exposure illnesses after a long period of time out of that particular employment situation. WCB will also conduct further medical investigations to determine the cause of your injuries or illness and if WCB denies your claim, an Alberta work injury lawyer can be there to guide you through the process.
After Your Case
Going through a work-related injury case is often a lot to deal with for someone who has recently sustained a serious injury. In terms of recovery and going back to work, it is very difficult to move on for most parties and dealing with the appeals or rejection process can be one more thing to worry about. Many people end up needing long term disability benefits.
Get an Experienced Lawyer
If you have experienced a work-related injury in Alberta, it is in your best interests to get help from a professional attorney as soon as possible to fight for the best outcome in your case.
Can I go on vacation while on WCB?
You can go on vacation and attempt to enjoy your life as much as possible while receiving workers’ compensation benefits.
How long can you stay on WCB?
Remember that the long-term goal of WCB is to send you back to work. Your wage loss benefits can only be paid out when you are unable to go back to your regular schedule due to injury or illness. You are typically eligible for a long-term wage loss compensation if your condition keeps you off work for more than 10 weeks.
Can you collect CPP disability and WCB at the same time?
You cannot receive wage loss benefits from CPP disability and WCB for the same work-related illness or injury. The WCB would therefore adjust your wage loss benefits.