Upon getting injured in a workplace accident, it seems like you’re caught up in a whirlwind of doctor’s visits, phone calls, and recovery. Unfortunately, this storm can take so much out of us that we may even forget to take the next legal steps. Worker’s compensation is vital to those needing to pay for medical treatments and other forms of damages. So, make sure you’re not missing your chance to make a claim for what you need. Read on to learn when to file for workers’ compensation following an incident and how to do so in the best possible way.

Understanding the Filing Deadline

In short, an individual is able to file for workers’ compensation anytime within a three-year period after the injury-causing event took place. This amount of time is provided to allow you enough time for medical treatments and to determine your next stages in the process. However, just because you can file for workers’ compensation at any point within the three-year time frame, it doesn’t mean you should wait or even do it too soon. In fact, there are several things you should be using this time for before you officially take the plunge.

How To File Strategically

As we already briefly discussed, the filing period is often used to pursue medical treatment and calculate the total cost of your sustained damages. But there are other things to consider as well, such as where you’ll obtain your legal help and whether you want to file a secondary workers’ comp third-party case. Each of these different facets takes time to complete, and putting your claim in too soon can deprive you of the necessary resources.

So, as for when to file for workers’ compensation, the answer depends on your unique situation. If you can find a qualified lawyer to help you quickly, you may be able to file sooner than those still weighing their options. Either way, don’t be afraid to take your time to ensure you’re getting everything filled out to the best of your ability. This way, you’ll be confident going into the process.