Helping You With The Kentucky Workers’ Compensation Process
Last updated on April 1, 2025
Lawyers at Shumate, Flaherty & Eubanks, PSC, have been assisting individuals in Richmond, Madison County and the surrounding areas since 1916. Today, our attorney, Michael Eubanks, leverages his knowledge, experience and skills to guide you through all facets of the workers’ compensation process.
Understanding Kentucky Workers’ Compensation
Employees often miss work, lose wages and become encumbered with major medical bills and related expenses when they suffer injury accidents at work. Fortunately, workers who are injured or suffer occupational diseases during the course of their job duties are entitled to recover compensation. In Kentucky, injured workers are entitled to several types of benefits. These include:
- Medical benefits: Workers’ compensation can provide coverage for all necessary medical treatments related to your injury.
- Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits: You may be eligible for compensation for lost wages during the time you are unable to work due to your injury.
- Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits: You could be entitled to payments for a permanent disability that partially impairs your ability to work.
- Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits: Depending on your injury, you could get compensation for a permanent disability that completely prevents you from working.
- Vocational rehabilitation: Worker’s compensation can provide services to help you return to work or train for a new job if you can no longer perform your previous duties.
- Death benefits: When a fatal accident happens, the dependents of a worker who has died may be eligible for financial support.
Understanding the different workers’ compensation benefits that are available can be overwhelming, but our lawyer is here to guide you through the process.
What Are The Steps For Filing A Workers’ Comp Claim In Kentucky?
To start a workers’ compensation claim in Kentucky, you must first notify your employer as soon as you realize your injury or illness is work-related. Kentucky law requires you to provide this notice within 30 days of the incident. Then, seek medical attention and tell the health care provider that your injury is work-related. Next, your employer should file an Employer’s First Report of Injury with the Kentucky Department of Workers’ Claims. If they do not, you can file an Application for Resolution of Claim with the Department of Workers’ Claims. This form starts the formal legal process. An experienced workers’ comp attorney can help you with all these steps.
Helpful Links And Resources For Workers’ Compensation In Kentucky
The Kentucky Department of Workers’ Claims offers information on laws, forms and procedures. The Kentucky Labor Cabinet provides additional details on workplace safety and regulations. At Shumate, Flaherty & Eubanks, PSC, our lawyer also provides comprehensive guidance and support, explaining your rights and options.
Can You Appeal A Workers’ Comp Claim?
Yes, if your workers’ compensation claim was denied, you can appeal. You can appeal your denied claim if you disagree with the decision, including:
- Denial of benefits
- A disagreement with the medical assessment
- Dissatisfaction with the amount of compensation awarded
To appeal a workers’ compensation claim in Kentucky, you must act quickly. First, you must file a Petition for Reconsideration with the administrative law judge within 14 days of the decision. If you are dissatisfied with the result of that petition, you can then file an appeal to the Workers’ Compensation Board within 30 days of the administrative law judge’s decision. After the Board’s decision, you have the option to appeal to the Kentucky Court of Appeals. Throughout this process, deadlines and specific legal procedures must be followed. Our workers’ comp lawyer understands these requirements and can help you prepare a strong case for each stage of the appeal.
Why Hire A Kentucky Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
Navigating workers’ compensation benefits in Kentucky can be challenging without the right legal support. Some of the benefits of hiring an attorney include the following:
- Explanations of your options: A lawyer can answer your questions and help you understand your rights and the benefits you are entitled to.
- Accurate documentation: Your attorney will get your medical records together and complete the paperwork accurately and on time.
- Appeal assistance: If your claim is denied, a workers’ compensation attorney can assist you with the appeals process.
- Communication with insurers: A lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies to secure the best outcome possible.
- Peace of mind: When you know that a skilled attorney is handling your workers’ compensation claim, you can focus on your recovery.
Our Richmond workers’ compensation attorney is dedicated to providing the support and legal skills you need to secure your workers’ compensation benefits. He also provides free consultations, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by speaking with him.
How Do You Find The Right Workers’ Compensation Attorney?
Finding the right workers’ compensation attorney isn’t easy. It helps to get recommendations from friends, family or other attorneys who may know an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. You can also learn a lot by researching potential attorneys online, looking for those with experience in Kentucky workers’ compensation cases. It also helps to schedule consultations. During these meetings, ask about the attorney’s experience, fees and strategy for your case. Choose a lawyer with whom you feel comfortable and confident.
Personalized, One-On-One Guidance
Our attorney provides the personal attention that many other lawyers simply don’t offer. Working with him means that you will have an advocate by your side who knows the law (including the most recent changes). Our lawyer will answer your questions clearly, calm your fears and guide you through the process step by step.
Our attorney can help you file all the necessary paperwork. He can also assist you with the appeals process and fight to get you the benefits you deserve. He will fight on your behalf in a variety of workers’ compensation cases, such as those involving complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
Consult A Richmond Workers’ Compensation Attorney For Free
Don’t attempt to navigate this process on your own. A modest investment in a skilled workers’ compensation attorney can substantially improve your chances for success. If you live in Richmond, Madison County or any of the surrounding counties, contact our office to discuss your work injury today. Call 859-353-0878 to get started. You can also send us a message. We offer free consultations and flexible appointments.