Every employee, regardless of their occupation, is exposed to various incidents at the workplace. Have you experienced such an incident and don’t know how to secure compensation for a workplace accident? What benefits are you entitled to in case of a workplace accident? Below you will find information about your rights and the steps to take.

Who Pays Compensation for a Workplace Accident? 

There are two main ways to claim this benefit: from the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) and from the employer or the insurer with whom a liability insurance contract has been concluded.

Every insured employee who has suffered a permanent or long-term health impairment is entitled to a one-time compensation for a workplace accident paid by ZUS. As of April 1, 2023, the amount of this benefit amounts to 1,269 PLN for each percentage of health impairment. It is worth noting that a workplace accident can occur both at the workplace and outside of it, provided the injured person was performing their professional duties.
   

To successfully claim compensation for a workplace accident, it is important to remember that the incident must be reported to the employer, and a health and safety (BHP) note should be created. If the incident was solely due to the employee’s fault, they will not be able to claim one-time compensation for a workplace accident. Even in such a case, the employee remains entitled to sick pay benefits amounting to 80%. If the injured employee dies as a result of a workplace accident, compensation from ZUS may be claimed by the parents, spouse, children, including adopted children, stepchildren, or those taken in for upbringing.

Necessary documents to receive compensation for a workplace accident from ZUS, such as the one-time compensation application, medical certificate, and accident report prepared by the employer, should be submitted to ZUS no later than after the completion of treatment and rehabilitation. The decision is issued within 14 days, and the compensation is usually paid within 30 days.

Simultaneously, the injured employee can claim compensation for a workplace accident from the insurer.

To do this, it is best to seek the assistance of a professional compensation law firm, which will ensure that the compensation for a workplace accident is not underpaid by the insurance company.

How to Claim Compensation for a Workplace Accident from the Insurer?

Our law firm, on behalf of the injured employee, applies to the insurer for compensation for a workplace accident, attaching the necessary documents. If the compensation amount proposed by the insurance company is underpaid, our lawyers begin negotiations. If the negotiated amount is still unsatisfactory, we take the case to court at the client’s request. Proper handling of the case can result in a much higher compensation amount for a workplace accident than that proposed by the insurer. It is also worth mentioning that, in addition to compensation, one can obtain reimbursement for treatment and rehabilitation costs and an annuity for work incapacity, increased needs, and lost future prospects.

Our law firm specializes in obtaining high compensations for workplace accidents.

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