How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Indiana

Suffering an injury at work can disrupt every part of your life, from your ability to earn a living to your physical and emotional well-being. Fortunately, Indiana’s workers’ compensation system is designed to protect employees who are hurt on the job by providing medical care and partial wage replacement during recovery. However, securing these benefits is not automatic. Injured workers must follow specific steps and meet strict deadlines to ensure their claim is properly filed and protected under the law.

It’s critical for workers to understand the workers’ compensation process and know when to seek help from an experienced attorney if complications arise. Here’s what you need to know about filing a workers’ compensation claim in Indiana. If you are having trouble getting the benefits you deserve after an on-the-job injury in Indiana, contact Lee Cossell & Feagley, LLP to speak with an experienced and dedicated Indianapolis workers’ compensation lawyer.

Report the Injury Promptly

The first and most crucial step in any Indiana workers’ compensation claim is to notify your employer as soon as possible after your injury. State law requires injured workers to report a workplace accident within 30 days, but even waiting that long can jeopardize your claim or make it harder to prove. Ideally, you should inform your supervisor or HR department immediately after the injury occurs or as soon as you recognize a work-related illness or repetitive stress condition.

When notifying your employer, make sure you describe how, when, and where the injury happened. If possible, provide this information in writing and keep a copy for your records.

Seek Authorized Medical Treatment

In Indiana, your employer has the right to select the doctor who will treat your work injury. This means you must see the medical provider chosen by your employer or their workers’ compensation insurance carrier unless it’s an emergency or you are referred elsewhere by the authorized doctor.

Seeking unauthorized treatment can result in medical bills that you might have to pay out of pocket. Keep detailed records of every appointment, prescription, test, or medical expense. These documents will be important evidence supporting your claim.

Complete the Required Paperwork

Once you report your injury, your employer should submit a First Report of Injury form to the Indiana Workers’ Compensation Board and their insurance company. This form officially notifies the insurer that you are claiming benefits.

However, you should not assume that your employer will always handle this correctly or in a timely manner. Stay proactive. Confirm that your employer has filed the report and follow up regularly on the status of your claim. If your employer refuses to submit the paperwork or disputes your injury, you may have to file your claim directly with the Workers’ Compensation Board.

Understand the Timelines

In addition to the initial reporting requirement, there are other deadlines you must meet to protect your rights. If your employer or their insurer denies your claim or fails to provide benefits, you have two years from the date of injury to file an Application for Adjustment of Claim with the Indiana Workers’ Compensation Board. This is essentially your formal request for a hearing to resolve any disputes about your benefits. Missing this deadline could permanently bar you from recovering workers’ compensation benefits, no matter how legitimate your injury is.

What Information Should You Provide?

To give your claim the best chance of success, be prepared to provide clear, accurate information and supporting documentation. This may include:

• Medical records, doctor’s notes, and test results related to your injury or illness.
• Timesheets or pay stubs showing your wages before the injury.
• Accident reports or witness statements, if available.
• Any correspondence with your employer or the insurance company about your claim.

Keeping an organized file of all documents, receipts, and notes will make the process smoother and help protect you if your claim is questioned or denied.

What Happens After You File?

After your employer files the First Report of Injury, their insurance company will investigate the claim. If the insurer accepts the claim, you should begin receiving medical treatment at no cost to you. If you are unable to work for more than seven days due to your injury, you may also begin receiving Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits, which replace a portion of your lost wages.

Sometimes, disputes arise over whether an injury is truly work-related, whether treatment is necessary, or whether you are healthy enough to return to work. Insurers may attempt to deny part or all of your benefits. If that happens, you have the right to challenge the decision through the Indiana Workers’ Compensation Board.

Common Pitfalls and Mistakes to Avoid

Filing a workers’ compensation claim might seem straightforward, but many workers unintentionally hurt their case by making avoidable mistakes. One of the biggest is failing to report the injury quickly enough or failing to seek treatment from the authorized doctor. Others include returning to work too soon against medical advice or failing to follow the doctor’s treatment plan. Insurance companies can and do use these missteps to justify cutting off benefits.

It is also common for injured workers to accept a denial without realizing they have the right to challenge it. If you receive a denial letter, do not simply give up. Speak with a knowledgeable attorney who can help you understand your options.

Why You Should Consider Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

While it is possible to handle a simple workers’ compensation claim on your own, the reality is that many claims are anything but simple. Disputes can arise about the cause of the injury, the extent of your disability, or the necessity of ongoing treatment. Insurance companies may pressure you to return to work before you’re ready or offer settlements that do not reflect the full value of your claim.

An experienced workers’ compensation attorney understands Indiana’s laws and how to gather medical and factual evidence that supports your right to benefits. A lawyer can represent you at hearings, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and ensure you don’t sign away your rights for less than you deserve. Most importantly, a lawyer is your advocate during a stressful time when you should be focused on your recovery, not fighting paperwork and insurance adjusters.

How Lee Cossell & Feagley, LLP Can Help

At Lee Cossell & Feagley, LLP, we have decades of experience representing injured workers in Indianapolis and throughout Indiana. We know how insurance companies operate, and we know how to hold them accountable. Whether you are facing a denied claim or if your benefits were delayed, underpaid, or prematurely terminated, we are ready to stand by your side and fight for the medical care and wage replacement you need to heal and move forward.

If you or someone you love has suffered a work-related injury or illness in Indianapolis, don’t wait until deadlines pass or mistakes jeopardize your benefits. Contact our firm today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you understand your rights, gather the evidence you need, and secure the compensation you deserve under Indiana law.