After a work injury, it can be challenging to make ends meet without workers’ compensation benefits. Unfortunately, a lot of wounded workers make inexpensive, easy mistakes while filing workers’ compensation claims. It’s critical to comprehend your legal rights and obligations if you sustain an injury at work.
Here are some helpful hints for making the most of your workers’ compensation claim. You can learn more here.
Report your injury instantly
After suffering an injury at work, you should notify your manager right away. Every state has a deadline, which varies greatly from state to state, by which employees must report their injuries. You risk losing your ability to receive workers’ compensation payments if you miss the deadline. To formally begin your claim, you may also need to submit a workers’ compensation claim form by a specific deadline in some jurisdictions.
Get yourself medically treated instantly
As soon as your injury occurs, you should see a doctor. Quick medical attention can result in a quicker, more complete recovery. Explaining your injuries and physical limitations and documenting your accident, also acts as crucial medical evidence in support of your workers’ compensation claim. The insurance provider may assert that you weren’t as seriously hurt as you claim to be—or that your injury never occurred at all—if you wait to seek care.
Think of altering doctors
In many states, employees are initially treated by a physician that the insurance provider has selected. There may be a conflict of interest if you receive care from the insurance company’s physician. These medical professionals may not always have your best interests in mind because they are largely compensated by insurance firms. So that the insurance company won’t have to pay you as much, the doctor can, for instance, downplay your injuries and the extent of your care.
Keep detailed work and medical records
Always keep copies of the documents pertaining to your workers’ compensation claim, including any work limitations, correspondence from your employer or the insurance provider, and completed forms (such as an accident report). Although your doctors will record your treatment in medical records, work restriction slips are not usually included in those documents.
Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be challenging, especially when deciding when and how much to accept a settlement offer. A lawyer can assess your claim fairly, bargain with the insurance provider, and, if required, defend you in an appeal.