LEGAL

5 Workers’ Compensation Claim Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Did you know that there are many workers’ compensation claim mistakes made? Too often when workers are injured on the job, the company and sometimes even the worker don’t take the claims process seriously. The result may be paying for more medical treatment than necessary or paying out too quickly.

Once you know about these mistakes, you can take steps to avoid them.

Here are common claim mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Filing a Claim Too Late

If you wait too long to file a workers’ compensation claim, you may be out of luck. By law, a worker’s compensation claim must be filed within a certain time frame, typically 30 days from the date of the injury. If you miss the claim filing deadline, you may be barred from receiving benefits.

2. Failing to Gather Essential Documentation

The most common mistake is failing to gather essential documentation. This can include things like medical records, bills, and pay stubs.

Without documentation, it can be difficult to prove your case and get the compensation you deserve. Keep copies of all correspondence and make sure to document everything. If you do these things, you’ll be more likely to avoid any mistakes and get the compensation you deserve.

Inaccurate or incomplete paperwork can delay the claim or even result in a denial. To avoid this, be sure to double-check all of the documents for accuracy and completeness before submitting it.

3. Submitting an Incorrect Insurance Form

There are several common mistakes made when submitting a workers’ compensation claim insurance form. One such mistake is failing to list all of the injured worker’s pre-existing medical conditions. This can result in the insurance company denying the claim outright.

Another common mistake is failing to properly document the injury. This can be done by taking pictures of the injury, keeping a detailed journal of the symptoms, and obtaining medical records from the treating physician.

4. Workers’ Compensation Claim Mistakes From Not Seeking Medical Attention 

Even if you don’t think your injury is serious, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. If you delay seeking medical treatment, it can be difficult to prove that your injury is work-related and you may miss out on important benefits.

If you’ve been injured at work, see a doctor as soon as possible and then contact a worker’s compensation attorney to ensure that your rights are protected.

5. Don’t Try to Do it Seek Professional Legal Help

You should be careful when talking to your employer or the insurance company. Do not give a recorded statement, and do not sign anything without consulting with an attorney first.

Mistakes can delay or prevent you from getting the workers’ compensation benefits you need to recover from your injury. Taking the time to understand the claim filing process and knowing what to do after an injury can be worth it.

Consult an expert to avoid these mistakes and get the benefits you deserve. Learn here for more.

You Can Avoid Unnecessary Stress

There are several key workers’ compensation claim mistakes to avoid if you are injured on the job. The good news is that you can avoid these so you can focus on your recovery. 

If you have any questions about your rights under the worker’s compensation system, be sure to consult with an experienced attorney.

Visit our blog for more on this topic.