Injured at Work? Workers’ Comp Do’s and Don’ts
Were you recently injured during the course of your work duties? Do you feel like someone was responsible for the injuries you sustained? You are now entering the world of workers’ compensation, where a unique set of laws and regulations govern your eligibility for winning compensation after a workplace accident.
This may be unfamiliar territory, so this article will cover the basic do’s and don’ts of dealing with workers’ comp to increase your chances of a successful claim.
The Do’s
Take the following steps if you want your workers’ comp claim to go smoothly.
Report the Workplace Accident
Be sure to report your injury and accident to your employer, preferably within the first 24 hours. Failure to report the accident immediately might cost your claim. Describe exactly how the accident happened and engage any witnesses who might have seen the events leading to the accident.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Whether the injury you’ve sustained is minor or major, you’ll want to see a medical doctor for examination and treatment. Let your doctor know about any pain, limitations, or discomfort after the accident. Ask your medical doctor to provide you with a copy of your medical records that clarify you were indeed injured from the accident. Medical reports are crucial when filing for workers’ compensation.
Hire A Lawyer
Legal language can be quite complex. Getting the support of a personal injury lawyer is a key factor in receiving fair compensation. You’ll need a lawyer to help with the following:
- Conduct investigations and prove negligence
- Ensure you get fair compensation
- Represent you in court or among other involved parties
- Negotiate your settlement
- Prevent you from making costly mistakes
File All Your Receipts and Bills
When fighting for workers’ compensation, you aren’t just fighting for the injuries you’ve sustained. You want to be compensated for the lost wages, medical bill expenses, disabilities, and other damages.
Obtain and keep all your medical bill receipts, medication receipts, statements from your employers, medical reports, rehabilitation forms, and any other documents that may help your case.
The Don’ts
Try any of the following and your claim could end up in jeopardy.
Don’t Talk to The Adjuster in The Absence of Your Lawyer
The insurance company in charge of your workers’ compensation is in the business of making profits. Insurers will try to offer the lowest amount of settlement they can get you to accept. The claim’s adjuster may also lure you into making false statements that will tamper with your settlement claim. Always talk to an adjuster in the presence of your lawyer to avoid making costly mistakes.
Don’t Give Recorded Statements
“Anything you say can be used against you.” Claims adjusters will try to convince you to give recorded statements of the accident and the events leading to it. Don’t give any recorded statement, as it may be used against you.
Don’t Hide Past Injuries
If you’ve suffered any injuries in the past, you might want to disclose these details with your doctor, lawyer, and insurer. If the recent accident makes your previous injuries worse, the damages should be accounted for in the compensation plan. Hiding these details only makes things worse, and it could even make you lose your right to a fair settlement.
Don’t Sign Anything Without A Lawyer’s Permit
Signing any document when you don’t understand its clauses can cost you your right to be compensated. Involve your lawyer in everything you do that touches on your workers’ compensation claim. The insurance will try to get you to sign settlement proposals, release forms, or insurance documents that may affect your case.
If you are wondering whether you qualify for workers’ compensation, you might want to talk to a qualified attorney. Your road to justice will be easier to travel with this list of do’s and don’ts.
