Did you know that the Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that approximately 1,075 people died in the construction industry, making it one of the most dangerous jobs?
Small missteps can prove big lessons when filing a workers’ comp claim. You might think that waiting a few days before reporting an injury or getting conflicting medical treatment wouldn’t affect your claims, but it certainly can. Workers’ compensation lawyer Richard L. Jacobs says that there are times employers and insurance companies try to avoid paying for an employee’s work-related injuries.
Evidence can also put a punch into your benefits if it goes undocumented, or return-to-work rules can sabotage them if ignored. To protect your rights and see your claim through, you must know these complications. What else do you need to watch out for?
Delaying Injury Reporting
Besides putting your workers’ comp claim at stake, delaying your injury report puts your health at stake as well. Every single moment that passes by without the incident being reported weakens the association between the injury and the worksite in the eyes of the employer and the insurance company.
Do not hesitate to speak about the incident. The disclosure will show your concern about your well-being as well as about your work. Your fellow workers and your surrounding community are depending on you and wish to see you prosper. By reporting an injury immediately, an atmosphere of trust and camaraderie is created in your team.
You’re also contributing to creating a safe and supportive workplace for everyone by looking out for yourself. According to Mitchell Law Corporation, if you get injured and can’t work, you might not be able to provide for your family. That is why it’s best not to delay reporting your injury.
Inconsistent Medical Treatment
Inconsistent medical treatment can seriously weaken your workers’ compensation claim. Not attending your appointments or not following your doctor’s orders gives the impression you’re simply not interested in getting better. This can come across as red flags in the minds of the insurance companies, making them question the authenticity of the claim put before them.
Staying consistent with the treatment will forge stronger grounds for your recovery itself, since you must inform the doctor of how things are going and especially about any changes. You are cooperating with the treatments and feel you should be supported throughout the process. Consistency is required to win a claim.
Failing to Document Evidence
Failing to gather evidence may jeopardize your workers’ compensation claim, as it gives a chance for an insurer to take advantage of. Get witness statements, medical records, accident scene photographs, and pictures of injuries you may have sustained. Make sure you keep detailed documentation of conversations with your employer or medical providers.
Any evidence will not only help to prove the claim but will also show you are serious about your case. Just remember that your co-workers and your community are there rooting for you. They want to see you succeed in this.
You can rely on your lawyer to assist you in collecting all this paperwork. It can be painful, but being cautious with a close-up and detailed procedure will make you feel that you are much more confident as you carry out a process that is usually challenging and make sure you are not violating your rights.
Ignoring Return-to-Work Policies
How do you think disregarding return-to-work policies affects your workers’ compensation claim? Ignoring such matters might just end your chances of getting the benefits you need. Employers typically stipulate certain return-to-work guidelines, assisting you to safely and appropriately reintegrate into workplace activities.
If you fail to follow the recommendations, a big red flag is set up that may potentially cause the management and insurance carrier to question the validity of the claim. Contacting your employer during the healing process creates solidarity and reassurance. So, following these policies signifies that you take them seriously, and this will build your case. Let this easy mistake be the last thing that prevents you from getting assistance when you probably need it the most.
Providing Inaccurate Information
Providing inaccurate information in your workers’ comp claim can seriously backfire on your case. Giving details that are not true or that may be a little deceitful may cause delays or denials or can even be deemed as fraud. What you furnish must include everything that is accurate and truthful about yourself, injuries received, medical attention taken, and work conditions.
Assessing your memory will never hurt before putting something on record or risking the claim. Creating trust, based on truthful information, between you and your employer and the insurance company is important. If you’re ever in doubt about what information to provide, then ask for the assistance of an expert familiar with workers’ compensation.
Being truthful amidst the entire process can really help you get through and receive the assistance you deserve.
