5 Disastrous Workers’ Compensation Claim Mistakes

 Posted on April 03, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

Filing a workers’ compensation claim in California can be challenging. Mistakes and delays in your claim can be costly, which is why many injured employees seek the assistance of a qualified California workers’ compensation attorney. With your attorney's guidance, you can avoid common pitfalls and potentially maximize your workers’ compensation. For a free legal consultation, contact [[title] at 408-848-1113 today.

Failing To Report The Injury Immediately 

In California, the law states that you must report a work injury to your company within 30 days. Waiting too long can lead to a denied workers’ comp claim because it may raise doubts about whether the injury is work-related. To avoid a claim denial, report the injury in writing to your employer as soon as possible.

Delaying Medical Care 

Some workers postpone seeing their physician or skip treatments, thinking the injury is minor. This is a mistake because it gives the insurance company a reason to question your claim. A lack of medical documentation makes it seem as if the injury is not serious, and you do not need compensation.

Seek prompt treatment and tell the doctor that it is a work injury. Also, attend all follow-up appointments with your doctor or specialists and promptly make up any missed appointments.

Failing to Follow the Treatment Plan 

Ignoring your doctor’s treatment plan, for example, by not taking your prescribed medications or going back to work against medical recommendations, can indicate to the insurance company that you are not as injured as you claim to be. Always follow the treatment plan to protect your compensation and recovery.

Missing Filing Deadlines

Besides reporting the injury to your employer within 30 days, you must also promptly submit a DWC-1 form to your company. If a workers’ comp claim dispute arises later, you have a year from the date of injury to file an appeal to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.

Missing deadlines can bar you from receiving benefits. Your workers’ comp attorney will ensure that all filing deadlines are met and can handle any appeals to the board.

Going It Alone

Many people think that if they are injured at work, they simply report the injury to HR and receive benefits promptly. It is often not that simple. The system can be complicated, especially when a claim is denied or the employer questions the injury.

Handling the claim without a workers’ compensation attorney can lead to missed deadlines, lower compensation, and a great deal of unnecessary frustration. Working with a skilled workers’ comp attorney can help you avoid pitfalls and increase your compensation.

Contact Our Morgan Hill, CA Workers’ Comp Lawyer

A workplace injury is the last thing you want, but the California workers’ compensation system is designed to provide medical and wage benefits during your recovery. Many problems can arise during the claims process, so have a Gilroy, CA workers' compensation attorney oversee your claim. That way, you know the matter will be handled smoothly and that you will receive maximum compensation. Call us at 408-848-1113 for a free consultation today.