In workers’ compensation, the statute of limitations is the time limit within which an injured worker must file a claim with the state workers’ compensation board in order to be eligible for benefits. The specific time limit varies from state to state but is typically one to three years from the date of the injury or from the date the worker became aware of the injury.
While it is important for an injured worker to report their injury to their employer as soon as possible, simply reporting the injury to their employer does not meet the legal requirement of filing a claim with the state workers’ compensation board. Filing a claim with the board is a legal requirement that must be met in order for an injured worker to obtain benefits, and it involves submitting specific documentation and meeting certain deadlines.
Filing a claim with the board is important because it provides an official record of the injury and ensures that the injured worker is protected under the law. The state workers’ compensation board is responsible for overseeing the workers’ compensation system in the state and ensuring that employers and insurance companies comply with the law.
If an injured worker fails to file a claim with the state workers’ compensation board within the statute of limitations period, they may lose their right to workers’ compensation benefits. In some cases, they may also lose their right to pursue a legal claim against their employer or the insurance company.
In summary, while it is important for an injured worker to report their injury to their employer as soon as possible, simply reporting the injury to their employer does not meet the legal requirement of filing a claim with the state workers’ compensation board. It’s important for an injured worker to file a claim with the board within the statute of limitations period to protect their legal rights and obtain the benefits they are entitled to under the law.