Workers’ compensation is available for employees who have become injured or sick on the job. Like other programs that allow compensation for medical expenses and lost wages, many rules exist regarding eligibility for workers’ compensation. In addition to eligibility, there are time limits for filing a workers’ compensation. Failure to file within this time period can bar an employee from ever receiving compensation.

After a worker becomes injured on the job, he or she should file a workers’ compensation claim immediately. Obvious exceptions to this rule include:

• Coma, other states of unconsciousness
• Communicable illnesses
• Burns or other serious injuries that need treatment immediately

With every workplace injury or illness, it is vital to file as soon as possible to ensure you do not exceed the statute of limitations for filing a workers’ compensation claim.

To ensure your claim is filed within your state’s statute of limitations, injured employees should file their workers’ compensation claim immediately. Unfortunately, this may not always be possible. For instance, if the injury is serious or if a formal procedure of filing exists, the process of filing a claim may be delayed. Also, if your employer delays your claim by failing to complete the appropriate paperwork, you should speak with the Department of Labor in your state.

State laws generally make up the time limits restrictions for workers’ compensation claims. In addition, state regulations can also determine the limitations in your workplace. For instance, in Florida, the injured employee has 30 days to report the accident to the employer. The company then has a week to notify the insurance company, which has three days to send information to the worker. Regardless of what injury or illness you suffered at work, all employees should be educated on the time limit for filing a workers’ compensation claim in their state.