Workers’ Compensation Mistakes That Reduce Your Chances of Getting the Compensation You Deserve

 Posted on July 30, 2021 in Workers' Compensation

Work injuries and illnesses can happen to anyone. Traumatic accidents like an equipment malfunction, fall, or trench collapse can lead to sudden, catastrophic injuries. Repetitive motions like bending, twisting, or typing can lead to repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. Illnesses and diseases such as contact dermatitis and even cancer may also be a result of work environments. If you have suffered a work-related medical concern, you may be thinking of filing a workers’ compensation claim and recovering financial compensation. If so, make sure to avoid the following mistakes.

Common Mistakes When Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Any employer with one or more employees is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance is used to compensate an injured worker for medical bills and part of their lost income. Unfortunately, getting an adequate workers’ comp payout is not always easy. The following mistakes can make it even harder to get the compensation you need:

• Not following your company’s policies for reporting an accident or injury - Some injured workers do not realize how badly injured they are until hours or days after the accident. If you are hurt at work, always report the injury right away – even if you think your injuries are minor.

• Making a mistake on the workers’ compensation paperwork - You must fill out your workers’ compensation claim accurately and submit it on time.

•  Ignoring your doctor’s orders – It is very important that you follow the instructions provided by your doctor. This includes taking any prescribed medication according to the prescription and avoiding actions that could aggravate your injuries like picking up heavy objects. Make sure you attend any follow-up appointments and complete any physical therapy ordered by the doctor.

• Not working with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer – The workers’ compensation process can be complicated and confusing – especially when you are recovering from an injury or illness. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your rights and responsibilities and take the action needed to maximize your chances of success. If your workers’ comp claim is denied, your lawyer can help you file an appeal and represent you during the appeal process.

Contact a Santa Clara County Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you were hurt at work, you may be entitled to compensation for part of your lost income and your medical expenses. For help seeking this compensation, contact a Morgan Hill workers’ compensation lawyer from Cramer & Martinez, LLP. Call 408-848-1113 for a free, confidential consultation.

Source:

https://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/dwc_home_page.htm