The workers’ compensation claims process is more nuanced than people think. Many individuals who suffer a workplace injury think that they just have to show that they were injured on the job and then they’ll receive compensation to help offset their lost wages and medical expenses.
While this is true to a certain extent, the process tends to have complications that have to be overcome if you want to succeed on your claim. Additionally, all too often workers’ compensation claimants make errors when seeking benefits that jeopardize the validity and effectiveness of their claim.
What mistakes do you need to avoid when pursuing workers’ compensation benefits?
By being aware of the mistakes that can be made during the workers’ compensation claims process, you can diligently work to protect the effectiveness of your case. So, as you move forward with your claim, be sure to avoid the following:
- Failing to report your injuries: A lot of people who get hurt at work try to tough out their injuries and carry on with their day. This can be a huge mistake, though, especially considering that your symptoms may exacerbate over time. If you wait too long to report your injuries, then you might be denied the ability to seek the compensation that you need.
- Failing to document the event that caused your injuries: When you pursue workers’ compensation benefits, you’ll need to be as clear as possible when articulating the incident that caused your injuries. If you don’t recall the details of your workplace accident, then your employer’s insurance company might be in a stronger position to challenge your claim.
- Failing to seek medical care: Again, you don’t want to try to minimize your injuries and as a result bypass needed medical care. If you’re going to file a workers’ compensation claim, then you need medical documentation that shows the nature and the extent of your injuries. Also, be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations so that you create a record of what you need and deserve in your workers’ compensation case.
- Exaggerating your injuries: When you meet with your doctor and when you’re subjected to an independent medical examination, you need to be open and honest. If you try to lie or exaggerate your injuries, the doctor is going to know, and that will reflect poorly on you and your claim. So, stick to the facts, be realistic, and most importantly, be honest.
- Waiting too long to file your claim: There are strict timeframes in place when it comes to filing a workers’ compensation claim. You need to adhere to them, otherwise you could be denied the compensation you need.
- Trusting too much: In your time of need it’s understandable to want to trust your employer, their insurance company, and the doctors who examine you. But each of these parties have their own priorities. Employers and insurers want to limit claims and payouts, and independent medical examiners might be more interested in keeping their contract with an insurance company. Keep these priorities in mind when interacting with the parties who come into play in your workers’ compensation case.
Don’t derail your own workers’ compensation claim
There’s a lot to deal with in the aftermath of a workplace accident. You need financial relief to get through this difficult time in your life.
The workers’ compensation system might be able to provide that for you, but not if you end up being your own worst enemy.
That’s why you need to be careful as you navigate your workers’ compensation case, which is something that your attorney can help you do.