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Workmans Comp Mistakes: Many people are hesitant to seek help after they’ve been injured at work. There are a number of reasons for this, but a top concern is that they could lose their job or face repercussions from management. Don’t make this mistake. Here are 4 workmans comp missteps to avoid.
1) You Don’t Report the Injury
Mistake number one is failing to report your workplace injury. For starters, the injury might turn out to be worse than you originally realized. Secondly, if you were injured at work and decide to go to the doctor, there’s no guarantee that your insurance plan will cover your medical expenses. These bills can add up quickly.
- Note that your claim for workmans comp benefits may be denied if you don’t report your workplace injury in writing and within 30 days, so the sooner the better.
2) Failure to Seek Medical Care
It’s unfortunately common for people to put off their own care until a more convenient time, but this is another top workmans comp mistake. It allows the insurance company to suggest that maybe you’re exaggerating your injuries or you would have sought treatment earlier. If you’re injured at work, seek medical care as soon as possible and be sure to tell your doctor that you were hurt on the job and what body parts you injured. You’re going to need this type of detailed documentation when you file a claim.
3) You Disregard Your Doctor’s Orders
You may not feel like you can afford to take any time off workmans comp mistakes but it’s essential to stick to your doctor’s orders, whatever they happen to be. An insurance company will go out of its way to discredit your claim. If you fail to follow your doctor’s treatment plan, you’re not only less likely to heal, but you may also harm your case. Expect the insurance company to check up on things like your social media profiles and work attendance. For example, just because you think you’re okay to mow the lawn, don’t push yourself beyond the work restrictions provided by your doctor. In some cases, an insurance company may even hire an investigator to conduct surveillance in an attempt to invalidate your claim, so don’t ignore your doctor.
4) You Try to Represent Yourself
And finally, trying to represent yourself can lead to many critical errors that you simply aren’t aware of. workmans comp mistakes Keep in mind that your employer isn’t your friend, and that the insurance company doesn’t have your best interests at heart. Their main concerns are what your injury is going to cost them. The best way to protect yourself is by hiring an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process and advocate for your rights.
Talk to a Workmans Comp Attorney
As you can imagine, there are many things to consider when you’re injured on the job. Navigating workers compensation benefits is a complex process, but an experienced attorney can make all the difference. For expert guidance, contact the Law Office of Jon Marlowe by clicking here, or call (925) 302-9176.