Things can get costly when you’re injured in a workplace accident. Hopefully, you can recover those costs through a workers’ compensation claim. Yet many people see their claims denied or their compensation reduced because of mistakes they made after the accident.
Here are some errors you need to avoid making:
1. Taking too long to tell your employer you’ve had an accident
Some employers or line managers can be difficult to deal with. If you fear yours will give you an earful for having an accident, you might prefer to hide it from them. However, you must tell them as soon as possible and notify them in writing within 30 days. Otherwise, you could lose your right to claim.
2. Not getting a medical check-up
Medical reports are crucial when claiming compensation. Having a doctor document your injuries as soon as possible makes it clear when they happened. If you do not see a doctor for two days, for example, the insurer may claim you got injured elsewhere and try to deny your benefits.
Even more importantly, early medical attention increases the chance you make a full recovery. Some injuries can deteriorate fast if left. Doctors train to spot medical problems others cannot see.
3. Trying to do too much too soon
If your doctor says you need a month of work and should avoid strenuous activity, then do what they tell you. While you might feel well enough to mow the lawn or return to work early, doing so could jeopardize your claim. Insurers are always on the lookout for opportunities to argue the doctor’s diagnosis was too generous.
There is legal help available if you wish to understand more about maximizing your chances of a successful workers’ compensation claim.
