Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Detailed Answer
If you’ve suffered a workplace injury, you need to confirm that your employer filed a workers’ compensation claim on your behalf. Under Alaska law, employers must report work-related injuries to the state’s Division of Workers’ Compensation within 10 days of receiving notice of an injury (AS 23.30.045). To verify your claim:
- Gather your records. Look for any injury reports, emails or letters from your employer or the insurance carrier showing a claim number or contact information.
- Ask your employer. Contact your human resources department or safety officer and request confirmation that they reported your injury and filed a workers’ comp claim.
- Call the insurance carrier. If you have the insurer’s name or phone number, call their claims department. Provide your name, injury date and any existing claim number. They can confirm if a file exists.
- Contact the Alaska Division of Workers’ Compensation. You can call (907) 465-2790 or email [email protected]. Ask whether they have a record of your claim under your name and the date of injury.
- Review Board dockets. If your claim faced any dispute, the Alaska Workers’ Compensation Board may have scheduled hearings. Search the Board’s online docket at labor.alaska.gov/wcboard for any filings under your name.
Helpful Hints
- Report your injury in writing within 30 days as required by AS 23.30.080. Late notice can reduce your benefits.
- Keep copies of all reports, emails and letters between you, your employer and the insurer.
- If you don’t know the insurance carrier’s name, ask your employer for their policy details or check your pay stub.
- Act quickly. Alaska limits your ability to recover benefits if you delay reporting an injury.
- Consider consulting an attorney with experience in Alaska workers’ compensation if you hit any roadblocks or if you need guidance handling disputes.