Many employees and laborers are injured at work every day. If you are employed to work in a heavy labor job, you are constantly at risk of experiencing a work-related injury. Unfortunately, many of these injuries can have long-term effects and create difficulties in your ability to earn a living.
If you have suffered a work-related injury, a workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your rights and ensure that you are compensated for the losses associated with your injury.
However, there are common mistakes you need to avoid to increase your chances of receiving the fair compensation you deserve. Here are some of them.
Not Reporting the Injury Right Away
It’s essential to report an injury as soon as it occurs, regardless of how minor or severe it may seem. Failing to do so could put your workers’ compensation claim at risk. When filing a claim, the first step your employer must take is to provide you with the proper forms.
These forms must be completed and filed promptly to ensure that there is clarity in determining who is responsible for your injury.
Typically, you have 30 days to report work-related injuries to relevant people within the workplace. If the injury resulted from an occupational disease, you have 90 days from the first sign of illness to report it.
Don’t think that reporting a work-related injury will get you fired from the job. In fact, it’s illegal for employers to retaliate against employees who make a claim.
Not Seeking Medical Attention
When you suffer any injury, you should seek medical attention immediately. Even if the injury is minor and seems like it won’t affect your performance at work in the long term, ignoring such an injury can worsen the situation and complicate any legal proceedings.
It’s essential to keep all medical records regarding the injury, as this information will help your attorney prove that you suffered a work-related injury and are entitled to compensation.
Without sufficient documentation of your injury and treatment, it will be difficult for you to file a successful claim.
Failing To Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
If your doctor has recommended any form of treatment, such as physical therapy or rest, it’s important to follow their instructions. This is essential for recovering from the injury and your workers’ compensation claim.
Failure to follow medical advice can lead to more severe injuries in the future and complicate the process of proving that the injury was work-related.
Not Hiring an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney
When filing a workers’ compensation claim, it’s crucial to hire an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complex process and understand your rights and options.
Your lawyer will help protect your legal interests when negotiating with your employer or insurance company for the best possible compensation.
Sharing Crucial Information About the Incident and Making Reckless Statements
Starting from the moment of the injury, you need to remember that you will be targeted by people opposed to your claim. The company will also be trying to find ways to reduce or deny your claim.
That’s why it’s crucial that you don’t share any information with anyone other than your workers’ compensation attorney regarding the incident and its details.
This includes talking to an insurance company without having a lawyer present, as they may try to use your words against you.
If you must talk about the incident or make statements, be careful not to share irrelevant details or make reckless comments that could potentially harm your case.
Even what appears to be an innocent statement can work against you if used in the wrong context.
Agreeing To a Low Settlement Offer
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is agreeing to a settlement offer from your employer or insurance company without consulting an experienced workers’ compensation attorney first.
In most cases, employers and insurance companies will try to reduce their liability by offering low compensation.
An attorney can negotiate a better offer on your behalf, so contact one before accepting any settlement offer.
Conclusion
A workplace injury can significantly affect your life, both physically and financially. That’s why it’s crucial to be sure that you are taking the right steps when filing a workers’ compensation claim for an injury suffered on the job.
By following this guide and avoiding these common mistakes, you will be able to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your work-related injury. Good luck!