Workers' Compensation Moves To Avoid
If you have been hurt at work and are filing a workers' compensation insurance claim, it's easy to make a mistake somewhere along the way. Workers' compensation is a handy benefit for hurt workers but it's also a bit tricky to navigate the rules correctly. For some actions you will want to avoid when filing a claim form for an on-the-job injury, read on.
You Did Not Get Medical Treatment
Not seeing a doctor right away for your injury or illness is a red flag to the workers' comp insurer that things are not that serious. Your injury merits a visit to a doctor, the emergency room, or an urgent care location.
You Failed to Take Notes
After an accident, the workers' comp insurer looks for reasons to deny claims. One big problem with some claims is that the worker tells different people different stories about the accident. To stay consistent and ensure that your claim is approved, write down the important details about the accident as soon as you can and keep it with you when you speak to anyone about it. That includes any workers' compensation insurance representatives, your supervisor at work, anyone you speak to at the doctor's office, and others.
You Failed to Mention the Work Part
You should also be ready to tell everyone you encounter at the medical facility that your injury or illness was because of work. The way your treatment is billed is totally different when it's work-related, and you need to make sure there are no doubts about the connection between work and your medical care.
You Took a Settlement Offer Without Legal Support
When you are deemed by the workers' compensation insurer to have a permanent injury, you may never be able to work at a job again. That is why the sum you receive from the workers' comp insurer is so important. Some hurt workers are unaware that the settlement offer is not final. The amount can be negotiated if you need more money. Not only that, but this complex issue is nearly impossible to deal with without a workers' compensation lawyer to help you figure things out. You need to know what your rights are, how much you are entitled to receive, and how your settlement should be set up to provide you with the best form of compensation. Speak to a worker's compensation lawyer before you make a mistake that you cannot recover from.
For more information, contact a local law firm, like Williams & Swee.