If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident, Kentucky workers’ compensation benefits will be extremely helpful, especially if it was a serious injury.  Regardless of the severity of the work-related injury, you are required by law to notify your employer you’ve been injured.  If you don’t, you may be forfeit your ability to receive workers’ compensation benefits. 

As a workers’ compensation attorney with over 30 years of experience, I’ve spoken to clients many times about this issue.  Below are some clarifications that may help you.

Your duty to notify your employer can be accomplished several ways.  First, there is no requirement that you do it immediately after you are injured.  Don’t wait, but you may have to go to the hospital, urgent care or visit other type of healthcare provider, first.  Some companies try require you to notify them within 24-48 hours of the incident.  That is not the law in Kentucky.  Understand you could negatively impact your claim if you wait too long, so go ahead and let your supervisor know, as soon as possible.

Next, you are required to tell your supervisor, another supervisor, or someone higher up (i.e. management).  Telling a co-worker does not satisfy your duty to notify.

You do not have to put this in writing, however, a quick note, text or email could provide something that could be used to prove you fulfilled your duty to notify.  The insurance company handling your claim is going to look for every way possible to minimize the money they have to spend on your workers’ comp benefits.  Don’t give them an opportunity to claim you never told anyone.  Notify your employer you’ve been injured.

In Episode 64 of my podcast, I spend time discussing, “Questions about Your Workers’ Compensation Claim.”  I hope you’ll take time to listen to that episode and share it with your friends.

Jeff Roberts Represents Injured Clients Throughout Kentucky

With offices located in Calloway County and now Christian County, Jeff has a history of representing personal injury clients, workers’ compensation clients and social security disability clients across the state.  He’s represented clients from Paducah, Bowling Green, Louisville, Covington, Whitesville and many other Kentucky locations.  He’s not just a Western Kentucky injury attorney.  

We hope you found this episode insightful and helpful.                                                                                                

Is It Time to Speak with an Attorney about Your Workers’ Compensation Claim?

The office phone number is (270) 753-0053 or toll free at 800-844-5108.  For more information, visit www.JeffRobertsLaw.com. This podcast is meant to provide information and is not legal advice.  Jeff’s principal office is located at 509 Main Street, Murray, Kentucky.  He also has an office located at 1910 S Virginia St, Suite 201, Hopkinsville.