No matter where you work, there is always the possibility of being injured. Whether slipping in an office, being injured while repairing industrial equipment, or other incidents, it may be to your advantage to file a workers’ compensation claim. While some employees are hesitant to do so, if you are injured on the job, the law allows you to have an opportunity to be compensated for your injuries. However, to ensure your claim is processed accordingly, it’s crucial to avoid making mistakes that derail even the most legitimate workers’ comp claim. To learn more, here are five things you could do that will have a negative impact on your workers’ comp claim.
Failing to Report Your Injury
If you are injured on the job, always report any injuries you have sustained to your employer. If you fail to do so in a timely manner and then file a workers’ comp claim, your employer may attempt to prove your injuries were not sustained on the job. In addition to this, the time you have to file a claim may expire, forcing you to forfeit your opportunity to be compensated.
Not Seeking Medical Treatment
If you have an accident and don’t believe you are seriously injured, it’s still crucial to seek immediate medical treatment. In many cases, certain injuries such as whiplash, herniated discs, or other injuries may not impact you until days later. By having a medical exam after the injury, you can improve your chances of showing the injuries were indeed sustained on the job.
Inaccuracies In Your Claim
No matter how your injury occurred, never be untruthful when filing your claim. By leaving out key details or changing your version of what happened, your employer and their insurance company will have ample opportunity to say you are lying about your injuries.
Listening to Your Employer’s Insurance Company
In virtually all workers’ comp cases, the employer’s insurance company attempts to present itself as caring about the employee’s well-being. In fact, the company is simply looking to get the case dismissed, or ultimately pay out as little money as possible. Therefore, always be sure you have consulted an attorney experienced in workers’ comp claims before saying anything to your employer’s insurance company.
Not Following Doctor’s Orders
If your doctor tells you to stay off your feet, not perform heavy lifting, or other specific instructions, always follow them. If you don’t and your employer or the insurance company discovers this, you will have little if any chance of being properly compensated. In many of these cases, the employer’s insurance company will monitor your social media accounts or even hire an investigator to follow you, so always follow doctor’s orders.
Consult an Attorney
If you have been injured and decide to file a workers’ compensation claim, always hire the services of a skilled and experienced attorney who has a track record of winning these cases. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to receiving the full and fair compensation you deserve.