Even if you work in a relatively safe industry, you could still suffer an injury at some point that keeps you away from your job. If this happens, you’re left with a lot on your plate. In addition to your treatment, you must find a way to stay on top of all your bills.
A workplace injury can result in a variety of medical bills. Along with this, if you’re unable to work, you may not have enough money to pay other bills, such as your mortgage and car payment.
If a workplace injury hits you fast, you must implement an immediate plan for paying your bills. Neglecting to do so can lead to a variety of problems, including calls from creditors.
Where did your injury occur?
If you were injured on the job, the first thing you should do is receive medical treatment. You should also report the incident to your employer, making it clear as to what happened.
When you do this, you increase the likelihood of receiving workers’ compensation benefits. This won’t replace your entire paycheck, but it may be enough money to help you get by during this difficult time.
In the event of an injury outside of work, your approach won’t be the same. Even though you may not be able to work, since you weren’t injured on the job you don’t qualify for workers’ compensation.
What to do
Immediately following your injury and initial treatment, determine how it will impact your finances. From there, review your budget and list your expenses and income. This will help you better understand if you’ll have access to the money you need to get by.
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied for any reason, review the denial letter in detail to understand your options. You should strongly consider filing an appeal, as you don’t want to leave any money on the table during this challenging time.
It’s hard enough to pay your bills when you’re 100 percent healthy. If you’re dealing with a serious injury that keeps you out of work, your situation will be even more complex.
Consider all of your options to ensure that you’re doing whatever you can to pay your bills in full and on time.