If you’ve worked closely with your attorney and you’ve recently found out that your workers’ compensation claim was approved, you probably feel like you’re officially in the clear. It’s great that you can start getting the compensation you rightfully deserve after a work injury, but that doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want while the checks roll in. There are plenty of ways you can accidentally torpedo your injury claim even after it has already been approved. In today’s blog, we talk about five specific things you’ll want to avoid doing while collecting workers’ compensation.
What Not To Do While On Workers’ Comp
You’ll still want to act carefully and deliberately even after your injury claim has been approved, because the workers’ compensation insurance provider will be looking for any reason to cease payment on your claim. Here are five things you’ll want to avoid while on workers’ comp.
1. Stopping Treatment – Workers’ compensation is designed to offer some financial flexibility while you work to come back after an injury. If you stop going to treatment or skip some physical therapy sessions, the insurance company will take that as a sign that you are not holding up your end of the bargain by trying your best to make a full recovery after an injury, and they may stop making payments. Don’t stop pursuing medical treatment just because your claim has been approved.
2. Sharing Private Details – We’ve found that there’s really no good that can come about by openly or publicly discussing your case or your compensation. Friends and family can get a little weird when finances are involved, so play things close to the belt. It likely won’t tank your claim (although it could in some instances), or it could foster some jealousy or envy, so keep the details of your claim and compensation package to yourself or your immediate family.
3. Social Media – This point goes hand in hand with the above point, but don’t discuss details of your case on social media. Anything you say could be viewed by the insurance company and used against you to hurt your case. Assume anything you post on social media is public and will be viewed by the insurance company, so don’t post details about your injuries or your claim.
4. Restricted Activities – Mind the restrictions that your company or your doctor has put in place. If they’ve told you not to participate in certain physical activities or return to work before you’ve been cleared, and you do these things against medical advice, the insurance company may stop paying your benefits. If you’re claiming that a back injury has left you physically limited, but you decide to go skiing and share photos of your trip on social media, don’t be surprised if the insurance company refutes your injuries and your award. Stay within the restrictions imposed by your care team.
5. Lying – Finally, lying can complicate matters even after an injury award has been granted, so don’t do it. Doctors, physical therapists and other medical experts can tell when you’re lying or exaggerating symptoms, and doing so can cause problems for your claim. We don’t want you to downplay your injuries so that you can return to work sooner, as that can cause problems too, but know that lying about anything can lead to major issues for your claim. If you have questions or concerns that you want to clear up before discussing anything with your doctor or the insurance company, run it by your lawyer first, as they are completely on your side.
If you can avoid doing these five things, we’re confident that you’ll be able to keep your workers’ compensation checks coming in during your rehab period. And for help along the way, or for assistance earning an injury award, reach out to the team at Hey Workers today at (844) 439-9675.
