Detailed Answer
If you suffered a workplace injury in Kansas, you have the right to workers’ compensation benefits. To confirm whether your employer filed a claim, follow these steps:
1. Request Confirmation From Your Employer
Kansas law requires employers to report workplace injuries to their insurance carrier and file an accident report (Form DWC-1) with the Kansas Division of Workers Compensation. Under K.S.A. 44-520 (see K.S.A. 44-520), employers must file a claim within 200 days of your injury. Ask your HR department or supervisor for a copy of the filed form and the claim number.
2. Contact the Insurance Carrier
Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer handles claims. Contact them directly to verify they received and accepted your claim. Provide your name, date of injury, and employer’s details so they can locate your file and confirm the claim status.
3. Check With the Kansas Division of Workers Compensation
The Kansas Department of Labor’s Division of Workers Compensation maintains all claim records. You can:
- Call toll-free at 1-877-529-5351 or local at 785-296-5380.
- Email [email protected] with your name, injury date, and employer’s name.
- Visit the Division’s forms page (Forms and Resources) for guidance on filing and tracking claims.
4. Review the Claim Docket (If Available)
Some states publish online claim dockets; Kansas does not. You must call or email the Division or your insurer for updates.
5. Consult an Attorney (If Necessary)
An attorney familiar with Kansas workers’ compensation can access the Workers Compensation Information Data System (WCI) to verify filings and review case documents on your behalf.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney to discuss your specific circumstances.
Helpful Hints
- Keep a record of when and how you reported your injury to your employer.
- Save copies of all forms, letters, and emails related to your claim.
- Note any claim or reference numbers and the dates you received them.
- Track phone calls: write down the date, time, person spoken to, and summary.
- If you don’t get confirmation within two weeks, send a follow-up in writing.
- For attorney referrals, visit the Kansas Bar Association: ksbar.org.