Have you been injured in an on-the-job accident? If so, you may be eligible for a wide array of benefits under the terms of your state's workers' compensation laws. However, before you can begin to receive the full slate of workers' compensation benefits for your employment injury, you must initiate the claims process. In most states, the first step of this process occurs when you fill out the accident report your employer is required to provide to you within a short time after the incident has occurred. Then, along with other necessary paperwork and documentation, your claim will be submitted to the company's workers' compensation insurance carrier. In many states, a record of the claim is also filed with the workers' compensation bureau. After a period of review, the insurance carrier will reject or approve your claim. If you feel that the decision rendered is unfair or you simply want to pursue the matter further, most states grant injured workers the right to appeal denied workers' compensation claims in a state-run hearing. At any point during this process, the insurance company may approach you with a settlement offer that will effectively bring the claims process to a close. However, before you make a final decision, it may be beneficial to consult with a qualified workers' compensation attorney who can tell you whether the offer is commensurate with the value of your claim.