From online shopping to buying tickets to a concert, the internet has helped to streamline a lot of activities, and the workers’ compensation system is no different. Aside from being able to find out a lot of useful information about your case from work comp websites, you can even file your injury claim online with the Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings. So while you have the ability to file online, is it actually in your best interest? We take a look at the online filing process and explain your best bet for maximizing your injury award.
Filing Your Injury Claim Online
If you’re still recovering after a work injury, it may seem like an easier process to just try and file your claim online by yourself. This way you don’t have to worry about printing off all the right forms or driving to a law office to meet with a legal team. However, filing online has plenty of drawbacks as well. Here’s a look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of filing your claim by yourself online.
Quick – Filing online is a quick way to get your claim submitted. Assuming you fill everything out correctly, you’ll get a confirmation that it has successfully been recorded on the same day your submit. That said, when you’re dealing with a large financial payout, being thorough is oftentimes better than being quick. We understand you want to get the ball rolling, but don’t be hasty when trying to file your claim.
Assistance – The OAH website has a document preparation cheat sheet that can help answer some questions you might have, but it’s not really the holy grail of resources. It may help with a few things along the way, but it doesn’t answer some of the more specific questions you’ll likely run into. Having an attorney by your side, filling out the paperwork for you and answering everything correctly and in a way that best strengthens your case is preferred.
Convenient – We’re a society obsessed with convenience, but some things are worth spending a little more time on. If it really worth it to have your claim filed quickly and conveniently if you only get a $5,000 payment when a quick meeting with an injury firm could have netted you $25,000 for the same injuries? Also, we’re oftentimes willing to meet clients wherever is most convenient for them, so if it’s easier for us to come to you, we’ll do what we can to help meet you more than halfway.
Updates – The website may give you simple updates about the submission and receipt of your claim, but odds are you’re going to feel out of the loop as your claim is being processed online. If you work with a lawyer, we can provide you with specific updates including recommendations for what you should be doing in the meantime. People like knowing what’s going on and what’s coming in the future, and a lawyer can provide you with those updates much better than an automated system.
So while you may be able to pursue a small claim on your own through the online system, we highly recommend that you at least consider setting up a free consultation with an injury firm like Hey Workers before you move forward with your claim. For more information, or to set up that free appointment, reach out to our firm today!
