Applying for a claim can be stressful, irrespective of the injuries a worker is likely to suffer in their line of work. Unfortunately, there are several mistakes that several injured workers make during the process of filing a claim that may cost them their right to compensation. Understanding these typical mistakes will help you to become more skillful in the system and guarantee you all the rightful gains. This post will highlight the top five mistakes injured workers could make while filing claims and how to avoid them with the help of Virginia workers’ compensation lawyers.
- Failing to Report the Injury Immediately
Informing your company of the accident immediately is one of the most crucial steps in the workers’ compensation process. Some of the reasons why employees delay reporting their injuries include threats of dismissal from their employers or a lack of adequate realisation that the injury is serious. Such a move, however, has its risks, as it may lead to serious consequences, such as delaying the report.
Notably, most states have a short time frame within which they are expected to report occupational injuries. Also, the longer one waits to report the injury, the difficult it becomes to prove that it occurred within the place of work.
- Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
Ignoring quick medical assistance is another typical error wounded workers make. Some employees may attempt to “tough it out,” believing their damage would heal. Others may not want to deal with the nuisance of doctor’s visits. Delaying medical care, however, might compromise your workers’ compensation claim and your health.
Seeking medical help promptly after an accident helps you to document the incidence and degree of your injuries. Your workers’ compensation claim depends a lot on this material. Early treatment also helps stop your damage from worsening and can cause long-term problems. To show that you are treating your recuperation seriously, follow all medical advice and show up for follow-up visits.
- Providing Incomplete or Inaccurate Information
Truthfulness is key to workers’ compensation because a single wrong detail can greatly affect the outcomes. However, some employees give misleading or insufficient information knowingly or unknowingly, and their claims may be denied. This may occur if a worker omits specifics about the event, fails to report past injuries or pre-existing ailments, or misinterpreted claims from questions.
Giving false information—intentionally or not- can be seen as fraud. Be as thorough and honest as possible while completing your claim form to help prevent this error. See a workers’ compensation attorney or a human resources department official from your company if you have any concerns or worries about the material needed.
- Not Following the Prescribed Medical Treatment
Your doctor will probably write a treatment plan to help you heal after an accident. This schedule could call for drugs, physical treatment, rest, or certain limitations on job activity. Some employees, on the other hand, neglect the recommended therapy either because they believe it is pointless, they want to go back to work earlier, or they find the treatment difficult.
Ignoring advice from your doctor could be a grave error. Always follow your doctor’s advice and maintain thorough notes of your therapy, including visits and medications.
- Not Seeking Legal Advice When Needed
Negotiating the workers’ compensation system may be challenging, especially if your claim is refused, your injury is serious, or your company is retaliating against you. Many injured workers still attempt to handle their claims independently without understanding they could be entitled to greater compensation or might be making crucial errors.
Sometimes, you should consult a seasoned workers’ compensation attorney for legal counsel. An attorney may assist you in knowing your rights, compiling required documentation, negotiating with the insurance company, and, should it be required, representing you in hearings. See an attorney to defend your rights should your claim be dismissed or you find yourself in a complex scenario.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to file workers’ compensation to get back money lost while you were disabled by other injuries that happened at the workplace. Ironically, even if workers’ compensation is designed to protect you, you must take the right steps to protect your claim.
