People make mistakes every day, and mistakes are even more common during the workers’ compensation process if you’re pursuing compensation on your own. Sometimes these mistakes are oversights, while other times you just flat out missed an important deadline. A lawyer can help you avoid a number of these mistakes, but we want to highlight some of the most common mistakes so you know what pitfalls to watch for during your claim.
Avoiding Common Injury Claim Mistakes
Here’s a look at five ways people unknowingly tank their compensation claim:
1. Not Documenting The Incident – Even if you don’t think you’ll miss time at work or need medical attention, you should report the injury to your employer. In the event you do pursue compensation, or symptoms get worse and you need to take time off, this will ensure there is a paper trail involved. If the injury isn’t documented, you’re not going to be able to file for compensation. And if you report the injury days after it happened, the insurance company is much more likely to deny your claim on the assumption that the injury may not have actually happened at work.
2. Failing To Adhere To Instructions – Some people try to work side jobs if their injury is preventing them from completing their normal work, but working when you’ve been instructed not to can result in the termination of your benefits. Also, if you doctor advises you to avoid certain activities and maneuvers, and you disregard that advice, your claim can be denied or your benefits revoked.
3. Signing and Settling Right Away – We get it, you want to put the injury in the past and get back to work. However, that doesn’t mean you should sign away any liability your company may have or jump at their first settlement offer. This injury could affect your future earnings potential, so you deserve to discuss your compensation award with a professional who can provide you with a much more accurate estimate of your claim’s true value.
4. Not Seeking Second Opinions – If you’ve been evaluated by a physician, especially if that physician was recommended by your company, and you don’t believe you received an accurate diagnosis or disability rating, you are well within your rights to seek out a second medical evaluation from an independent medical examiner. Your lawyer can provide you with some medical experts in your area that they’ve work with in the past who they know will provide an accurate and thorough medical examination.
5. Failing To Meet Deadlines – You have a certain amount of time to report your injury, seek an evaluation and file a claim. If you try to do everything on your own, it can be easy to miss a deadline and tank your case. Your lawyer can help ensure you meet all deadlines so you can focus on getting healthy.
For more pitfalls to avoid, or to talk to an injury firm about your compensation case, reach out to the experienced lawyers at Hey Workers today.
