Workers' Compensation Claims – Mistakes To Avoid
If you were recently injured at work, you could be entitled to a workers' compensation claim. Submitting a claim can assist you in paying for necessary medical bills or covering finances for any time you miss from work. However, there are often people who make mistakes that can hurt their claim and prevent them from getting the funding they need. Understanding what those mistakes are and how to avoid them can help you file your claim successfully. Make sure a lawyer assists you with the process.
Failing to File the Claim
Although the need to submit a claim may seem like common knowledge, a staggering number of employees do not do it. In fact, a survey revealed that 1 in 10 employees are too fearful to report injuries sustained at work. Employees fear their employer may discriminate against them for submitting a claim, even though such an act is against the law. If you were injured at work and you are too afraid to report it, discuss the situation with a workers' comp attorney.
Not Seeking More Than One Opinion
Visiting just one doctor for your injuries may harm your chances of filing a successful claim. Doctors are human, which means they can miss something or misdiagnose an issue. If the doctor you see provides you with a diagnosis that seems questionable, seek a second opinion. A second or even a third opinion can provide you with the medical documentation you need to ensure your claim goes through successfully.
Failing to Follow the Doctor's Instructions
If your doctor provides instructions, make sure you follow them to the letter. For instance, if your doctor tells you not to lift more than 20 pounds, make sure you adhere to that. If you don't and you injure yourself further, it can lead to a claim denial. Also, if someone sees you doing something other than your doctor suggested, they could report it to your employer, which may make them question the legitimacy of your claim.
Not Providing Enough Detail
When you visit the doctor, make sure you provide a detailed and accurate account explaining how you sustained injuries. You should also fully describe your symptoms. If you are too vague with your doctor, it can lead to a misdiagnosis. The physician's word will become the most valuable piece of the puzzle when it comes to your claim. If the doctor submits a report saying you did not want to provide details, your employer may question your claim's validity.
Ignoring Important Deadlines
When you file your claim you will be given deadlines throughout the process. For instance, you will likely have a deadline to submit your claim. Make sure to stick to those deadlines so you can avoid the consequences. Missing a deadline or failing to gather all the paperwork you need on time to submit your claim could lead to a denial. You may also miss your chance of filing a claim altogether.
Failing to Return to Work
If your doctor tells you that you can return to work, you should do just that. If you fail to return to work after the doctor gives you the all clear, it can create issues that make it tricky to successfully file your claim. Your employer will question your absence if they find out you are able to return to work, which can lead them to question your honesty and integrity. If your character is called into question, it can hinder your chances of filing a successful claim.
Not Seeking Legal Help
The best way to submit a successful claim is to ask a lawyer for assistance. An attorney can make sure you are not doing anything to harm your chances of receiving compensation for your injuries. Contact a workers' compensation attorney near you to find out more about how he or she can help you submit your claim successfully.
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