Injured On The Job? 4 Issues That Can Jeopardize Your Workers Compensation Claim
Posted on: 10 October 2017
If you've been injured on the job, you have the right to workers compensation benefits. Workers compensation provides cash payments while you're out of work and also provides for your medical care. In order to receive workers compensation, however, it's important that you follow the required guidelines. If you don't, you run the risk of having your claim denied. If that happens, you may not receive the benefits you're entitled to. To make sure your claim is not denied, here are four mistakes you should avoid making.
Failure to Report the Injury on Time
As soon as you realize that you've been injured on the job, you need to file a claim. If you've been injured in a slip and fall accident, you should report the accident immediately after the incident. For injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, or other injuries caused by repetitive motion, you should file a report as soon as you realize the pain you're in is work-related. Failure to report the injury in a timely manner could result in your claim being denied. To make sure you don't run into that problem, you should check with your state to find out what the time limit for reporting is.
Failure to Follow Treatment Plan
Once you've sought medical care for your injuries, you're obligated to follow through with the treatment plan. If you don't, you could have your claim denied. If you don't agree with the treatment plan, you have the right to request a second opinion. However, once a treatment plan is agreed upon, you'll need to follow through with it.
Failure to Report a Pre-Existing Condition
After you've filed a workers compensation claim, the insurance company will begin an investigation. This investigation will be used to determine your eligibility for coverage. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you need to report it to your medical care provider. If you don't, your claim may be denied. This is particularly true if the investigation determines that your pre-existing condition could have contributed to your injuries. Don't risk having your claim denied. Be sure to report any, and all, pre-existing conditions.
Failure to Seek Legal Representation
Failing to seek legal representation is one of the biggest mistakes you can make, especially if you have a pre-existing condition, you delayed filing a claim, or you don't understand the process. If you've been injured on-the-job, and you haven't hired an attorney yet, you should do that before your case proceeds any further.
For more advice, contact an attorney at firms like Bishop Dorfman Kroupa & Bishop PC.
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