Are you looking to file a claim with the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) in Quebec? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Filing a claim can be a confusing and intimidating process. However, understanding how the CNESST works is essential for ensuring that your rights are respected. In this article, we explain how to file a claim with the CNESST.
What Is The CNESST?
The CNESST stands for the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail. It is a government organization in Quebec that helps protect workers against certain risks associated with their employment. This includes providing compensation for an employment injury or helping victims of harassment.
The CNESST can provide assistance to any worker who has been affected by occupational injuries, road traffic accidents, work-related accidents, and even discriminatory or sexual harassment. When filing a claim with the CNESST, the first step is to fill out a worker claim form and submit it along with any relevant documents such as a register of injuries, medical reports, or police reports if applicable.
Once all documentation is submitted, the CNESST will review your case and determine what kind of compensation you are eligible for based on your situation. Depending on your individual circumstances, this could include financial support like indemnity payments or rehabilitation services.
Who Can File A Claim With The CNESST?
Any worker who has suffered an injury or occupational disease while on the job can file a claim with the CNESST. This includes full-time and part-time employees, as well as self-employed workers, apprentices, and trainees. The claim must be filed within a certain time frame after the injury or illness occurred, and the worker must provide medical evidence to support their claim. Once the claim is filed, the CNESST will investigate and determine whether the worker is eligible for compensation or benefits.
When To File A Claim With The CNESST?
When filing a claim with the CNESST, it is important to do so within a reasonable period of time. This will ensure that workers can get access to their wage loss replacement benefits as quickly and efficiently as possible. It is your responsibility to notify your employer as soon as you experience any kind of professional injury.
You should also immediately seek the help of a health professional in order to obtain evidence of your injury. Once this is done, you can make your claim with CNESST. Although you have 6 months to make your claim, it is advisable to get your paperwork in sooner than later to ensure you receive the payment of compensation quickly.
How To File A Claim With The CNESST
Here is a list of steps to follow to file your claim with the CNESST:
- Inform your employer or occupational health department of your injury and seek the advice of a medical professional in order to obtain evidence of mental or physical injuries.
- You must contact the Quebec Workers Compensation Board in order to obtain an authorization number before filing a claim with the CNESST.
- Once you have acquired this authorization number, it is recommended that you submit your claim within 10 days of receiving it. This will give the CNESST enough time to process and review your application.
- After submitting your claim, the CNESST will investigate it and may require additional information from you or other parties involved in order to assess whether or not they should approve your request for compensation for loss of wages or medical expenses.
- If approved, you should receive confirmation via email or mail about when payments will be made available under the wage loss replacement plan.
How Long Does It Take To Get Paid By The CNESST?
The length of time it takes to get paid by the CNESST varies depending on the circumstances surrounding your claim. For example, if you are filing a claim for an injury or illness that is clearly work-related, and there are no issues or disputes surrounding the claim, then you may receive payment within a few weeks.
However, if there are complications or disputes surrounding your claim, it could take several months or even years to receive payment. It is important to keep in mind that the CNESST has a backlog of claims and limited resources to review and process claims, which can contribute to delays.
What Does The CNESST Cover?
Coverage from the CNESST is quite extensive. Here is a list of things that the CNESST covers:
- Financial assistance for medical care caused by work-related injuries (medication, doctor visits, surgery, etc.);
- Lost wages;
- Pay benefits if you are unable to return to work;
- Compensation for funeral costs in the cases of fatal workplace accidents;
- Free legal advice and support.
Need Legal Assistance?
Experiencing a workplace injury, whether physical or mental, is an extremely stressful situation. The last thing you need is the additional stress of having to navigate the world of CNESST on your own. At Accident Solution, we have a team of dedicated lawyers who specialize in CNESST cases, who can walk you through the entire process.
Our lawyers have extensive knowledge in the field of CNESST and are dedicated to enforcing your rights and ensuring you gain the compensation you deserve. Seeking legal assistance takes the guesswork and unknown elements surrounding the CNESST process out of the equation and you can relax knowing your case is being handled by the best lawyers.
