Injured At Work? 4 Workers Compensation Mistakes That Can Cost You Dearly
Posted on: 15 March 2019
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Work-related injuries are no laughing matter. In fact, work-related injuries can affect every aspect of your life. Workers compensation is there to help you recover from those injuries. However, you need to avoid mistakes when applying for those benefits. Here are four such mistakes that you should avoid.
Avoid Delays in Reporting Injuries
If you've been injured on the job, you need to file a report immediately. You may be tempted to wait and see if the injuries get better, but that's the worst thing you can do. In most states, there are guidelines in place that outline how much time you have to report any workplace injuries. If you miss the deadline, you run the risk that your claim will be denied. Not only that, but if you wait too long to begin medical treatment, your condition could worsen.
Don't Quit Your Job Prior to Filing Report
If working conditions caused the injuries you're suffering, you may be thinking about quitting your job.While it may be a good idea to look for other work – especially when unsafe conditions exist – you shouldn't put in your notice until after you've reported your injuries. If you quit your job prior to filing a claim for your work-related injuries, your former employer may not be held liable for your workers compensation claim. If you plan to quit your job due to those injuries, speak to a workers compensation attorney first. They can help you avoid problems with your claim.
Avoid Postponing Medical Care
When it comes to your workers compensation claim, postponing medical care can be as detrimental to your case as delaying the reporting of the injuries. If you've been injured on the job, you need to schedule an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible. In fact, it's a good idea to start with the emergency room visit. That way, you have evidence of an initial contact with a medical care provider. Not only that, but if your injuries are serious, emergency room doctors can help expedite the care you receive from specialists.
Don't Give Up After a Denial
If your claim for workers compensation coverage is denied, don't give up. There are still avenues you can take to receive the benefits you need. If you haven't been working with an attorney, now's the time to hire one. If the medical information wasn't sufficient, seek out a second opinion. Additional medical information, especially from specialists, can help speed up the appeals process.
Contact a legal firm, like Prediletto, Halpin, Scharnikow & Nelson, P.S., for more help.