After a workplace injury, you might feel like you’ve entered a world full of red tape and confusing legal jargon. Maybe you’ve been told by your employer what to do next, or perhaps you’ve browsed online to find out what to do after an on-the-job injury.
What you do after a workplace injury is key. However, equally important for an employee is knowing what not to do when filing a workers’ compensation claim. If you’ve never been through this process before, you should know that there are many things that could make you ineligible for benefits or affect the compensation you receive.
So, what shouldn’t you do when filing a work comp claim? Let’s look at four things to avoid…
1. Whatever you do, don’t ignore your injury.
This is one of the most obvious things to avoid, but it is very common for workers to attempt to shake off their injuries and continue working. You might be the type of person who hates going to the doctor or can’t stand not contributing to your team at work. But remember, when you push through an injury, you are only making it worse, which will sideline you for even longer.
Ignoring your injury also has consequences beyond your physical health. When you continue to work with an injury, your actions can be used against you. Employers and insurance companies will say that you couldn’t have been hurt that badly because you continued to work in the same capacity you did before you were injured.
In other words, once you are hurt at work, get immediate medical attention and follow your doctor’s orders religiously.
2. Don’t see a doctor without making sure they are approved by your employer’s plan.
In emergency situations, you will likely seek medical treatment from the closest emergency department. However, when it comes to seeing a doctor outside of emergency care, you should check with your employer to make sure a physician falls under your employer’s coverage. This will ensure that your medical bills are covered while you seek a diagnosis and treatment.
3. Don’t go back to work if you aren’t ready.
Some people go stir crazy when they can’t do their job. They might push themselves to go back to work before they are truly ready. Just like pushing through an injury to continue working, this has major consequences on your health and the workers’ compensation claim you are filing.
You should always be mindful of what your doctor is telling you to do. Has your doctor cleared you to continue working at full capacity? Is your body telling you that you aren’t ready to resume a full workload? The moment you go back to work you will be signaling that you have recovered from your injuries, so be absolutely positive you are in the clear.
4. Don’t overlook the importance of a workers’ compensation attorney.
Your employer and their insurance company might try to tell you that you won’t need an attorney for the workers’ compensation process, but you should always explore your legal options after a workplace injury. The workers’ comp process can be complicated, and you want to be sure you are being given the benefits you are entitled to.
Having your own advocate walk you through a claim can make your life simpler and ensure that you are getting everything you need to recover from your injuries. Make sure an attorney is licensed to practice in your state and has experience with workers’ compensation cases.
Avoid these four mistakes and you’ll be better positioned to get the benefits you deserve. Remember, consulting an attorney is in your best interest, particularly if your claim is denied or you feel you aren’t being treated fairly. Find an experienced attorney in your area, like Coriden Glover LLC, and take advantage of a free consultation.
