Every 7 seconds, a worker in the United States is injured on the job, according to the National Safety Council. That’s over 7 million workplace injuries per year.
If you are in a working environment where safety protocols are lacking or improperly followed, accidents are bound to happen. Suffering an injury in the workplace can make you feel burdened, especially if the fault is not on you. But according to ksa-atty.com, you have the right to expect fair compensation through the workers’ compensation system.
But sometimes, small mistakes happen that lead to your claims being denied. To avoid these mistakes in filing your workers’ comp claim, here are the things you can follow to make sure you get the help you need.
Failing to Report Injuries Promptly
Time is extremely important when you suffer an injury on the job. It should be reported as soon as possible to make sure you get the protection you deserve. Your claim could potentially weaken if you fail to report your injury on time. This is because it is difficult to prove that your injury is work-related.
The sooner you report, the easier the claim procedure will become so you can concentrate on healing and going back to your favorite activities.
The decision to discuss your injury soon protects your rights and establishes an environment where all employees feel comfortable speaking up. Workers compensation lawyer Garryl L. Deas says you can be compensated for your lost wages and medical bills when you sustain an injury at work, but you may need to have the right legal team working for you.
Not Seeking Medical Attention
Once an injury is reported, getting treatment should be next in line. It’s so easy to think it can be handled or that it is minor. Such an attitude can cost a worker his or her workers’ compensation benefits. Not seeking medical attention can have the unfortunate consequence of aggravating an injury due to neglect.
At times, insurers are objective and adamant about having proper medical evidence to back claims. In the absence of sufficient medical evidence, insurers may contest the injury or the undertaker’s intention to recover.
The type of care you seek will assist with your healing and strengthen your case. Remember, having your health as a priority will prove that you want to be productive and return to the team! So please, do not skip this step!
Ignoring Medical Advice
Many tend to minimize the important implications of accrual after an injury when they refuse to follow medical advice. If you choose to ignore your doctor’s recommendations, you will have a delayed recovery and, in turn, place a workers’ compensation claim at risk.
This entails that you will have to make it to every follow-up appointment and carry out the prescribed treatment. These medical records become crucial evidence for your case, and any gaps in your treatment may trigger an alert for the insurance company.
If you opt out of therapy or fail to take prescribed medications, they could argue that the injury isn’t as severe as you are alleging. A moment of thorough treatment actually sustains your recovery and supports your claim.
Remember that you are not in this alone; an adherence to medical advice will afford you the assistance you deserve.
Discussing Your Case on Social Media
In this digital age, sharing your experiences on social media is common. But you should know that legal matters should stay behind closed doors. You must be aware that even statements you deem harmless can be misinterpreted.
While friends may sincerely wish to offer their support, their comments might capture the attention of an insurance adjuster or even your employer. You never want your statements undermining your claim or making it seem as though you’re less hurt than you really are.
The show’s downfall is that privacy settings are not ironclad; secrets sometimes find their way into the public. Instead, perhaps you can seek out support within an anonymous community or confide in a few select friends who understand the nuances involved. Keeping the entire proceedings confidential is your best protection for a smooth claims process.
Missing Deadlines for Filing Claims
Missing deadlines for filing workers’ compensation claims may cost you dearly, especially when you depend on those benefits to cover medical costs and lost wages. Even with the determination of your rights, you must know the timelines that pertain to your claim.
If you fail to meet the initial requirement of reporting your injury, you will be largely incapacitated in claiming any kind of benefits. The seemingly minor delay in filing your paperwork might only be enough for your case to be denied. Set up calendar reminders for all important dates to stay organized throughout the whole period.
You are not the only one who faces situations like these. Meeting deadlines will further assure you that your claim is accepted and that you are helped along your hard times.
