It’s every employer’s duty to ensure a safe working environment for their workers. As an employee, if you sustain injuries on the job, you can file a claim and seek compensation for the damage you suffer. The compensation aims to cater to your medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial constraints you may face due to the unfortunate incident.
However, the success of your claim and the amount you receive depends on how well you execute the process. This article explores some common mistakes that could hinder your case and compromise the amount you receive for compensation.
Failure to Report the Injury Immediately
The first thing you must do after the accident is to let your employer know about it. Otherwise, delaying to report the issue raises red flags, and your employer could argue that you sustained the injuries elsewhere. Most states require that you report the case within 24 hours. If you miss this window, your claim could be denied. To protect your rights, report any injury, no matter how minor it may seem, to your employer immediately.
Failure to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your well-being comes first, so whether you have apparent injuries or not, you should immediately let a medical professional assess you. Besides ensuring your health and safety, a medical report is useful when filing a claim. You will use the reports to prove the extent of the injuries, the amount you spend on treatment, and how long it will take you to recover. Without documentation, the insurance company might argue that your injury isn’t work-related or isn’t as severe as you claim, which could significantly impact your benefits.
Giving Inaccurate or Incomplete Reports
One mistake to avoid is providing inaccurate or incomplete information on your claim forms or medical records. Inaccurate documentation gives the insurer a legal ground to either deny your compensation or reduce it to an unfavorable amount. Be thorough and honest in all your paperwork to ensure your claim reflects the true nature of your injury.
Trusting the Workers Comp Adjuster Completely
While it’s essential to cooperate with the workers’ comp adjuster, trusting them entirely can be a critical mistake. Remember, the adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is often to minimize the payout on your claim. Be cautious of workers comp adjuster tricks, such as downplaying your injury or pressuring you to settle quickly before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. It’s wise to consult with an attorney specializing in workers’ compensation to protect your rights.
Returning to Work Too Soon
Many workers are eager to return to work after an injury due to financial pressure or fear of losing their jobs. However, returning to work before fully recovering can jeopardize your health and your workers’ comp claim. If your doctor hasn’t cleared you for work, or if you return to a job that exacerbates your injury, you could face further health issues and complicate your claim. Always follow your doctor’s advice and only return to work when advised.
In conclusion…
Filing a workers’ comp claim is complex, but avoiding the above common mistakes makes you better positioned to get maximum compensation. Ensure to work with a reliable attorney who understands the insurer’s tricks and will save you from saying or doing things that can compromise your case.
