Workers' Compensation

Workers' Compensation insurance provides medical and income benefits to employees hurt on the job – or families of employees killed by a work-related incident. This insurance program was designed to help workers pay for the costs incurred by a serious injury – but the confusing claims process and frustrating paperwork often feels less than helpful.

At Frank Jenkins Law Office, we understand the challenges and frustrations of dealing with workers’ compensation claims, particularly when you are denied benefits for a serious injury. Call us today at 1-800-CAR-WRECK or contact us via email.

In Kentucky, employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. There are exceptions, including some agricultural and domestic workers, but in general most employed Kentuckians are covered. Employers have several options for the type of insurance they choose; they can select from a state fund, a private insurance carrier or they can self-insure – but they must provide coverage to their workers.

An injured employee whose workers’ compensation claim is approved can expect medical benefits and disability benefits that vary according to the severity of the injury, calculated as a percentage of the employee’s wage. If an employee dies as a result of work-related injuries, the surviving spouse and children may receive death benefits, also calculated based upon the employee’s wage, as well as an allowance to cover burial expenses.

If you are hurt on the job, you aren’t required to hire an attorney to file a workers’ compensation claim; you can submit your claim and navigate through the approval process entirely on your own. However, many employees are surprised to learn that their claims have been denied, despite obvious and legitimate injuries – and when this happens, it’s easy to become frustrated and overwhelmed by the process. You can and should appeal any denial of benefits – but an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help prepare a more effective appeal on your behalf. A lawyer can also be helpful if your employer tries to coerce you into returning to work before you have recovered – or if the insurance carrier attempts to minimize your injury and provide minimal benefits that don’t meet your disability need.

The Office of Workers' Claims, which oversees workers’ compensation in Kentucky, provides specialists/ombudsmen to assist injured workers with their claims. However, an attorney will do more than help you fill out forms; legal help can improve your chances for a successful claim approval – and it may discourage your employer from terminating you or attempting other questionable tactics.

At Frank Jenkins Law Office, we have represented many Kentuckians in their workers’ compensation claims and we are very familiar with the process. We know what claims reviewers are looking for, we know how to present your situation in the most effective manner – and we know the system. We can also review your accident to be sure that your employer is not the only party responsible. If you were hurt on the job, but another party was involved – such as the manufacturer of faulty equipment – you may have grounds for a lawsuit against the other party, in addition to your workers’ compensation claim.

The Frank Jenkins Law Office will conduct a thorough assessment of your case and review all available options to build a strategy with your best interests in mind. If you don’t know whether your situation requires Workers’ Compensation representation or a third-party lawsuit, we can provide an initial consultation for FREE to determine the appropriate steps. We will meet with clients in our office, in the hospital, or at home if necessary.

Your right to justice shouldn’t be compromised because of concerns over payment. We handle most cases on a contingency basis*, which means you pay nothing up front and will only pay an attorney fee when we settle or win your case.

If you need help with a Workers’ Compensation claim or have any legal questions about your work-related injury, contact the Frank Jenkins Law Office today at 1-800-CAR-WRECK or contact us via email.

*COURT COSTS AND CASE EXPENSES WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CLIENT