According to various statistics, a worker somewhere suffers a job-related injury every seven seconds. So, that amounts to 12,600 injuries per day. For example, the construction industry is notorious for on-the-job injuries and accidents resulting from being struck by objects, electrocutions, slips, and falls.
Generally speaking, the most apparent reason for work-related injuries and accidents is overexertion. Lifting and lowering or repetitive actions account for 33 percent of all work-related accidents and injuries, while contact with objects, trips, falls, and slips account for the rest.
So, if you’ve recently sustained a work-related injury or were in an accident that was someone else’s fault, you’re entitled to file a worker’s compensation claim.
However, before you go on and file such a claim, it will be worthwhile to know how to make the most out of your worker’s compensation claim. Doing so will ensure that you receive the settlement you’re entitled to.
That said, problems and surprises can come from your employer’s insurance company. After all, they run a for-profit business and will do everything they can to deny your claim. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your worker’s compensation claim.
Hire an attorney.
You probably won’t have to hire a lawyer if your employer’s insurance provider cooperates with you and agrees to pay your claim without any issues.
However, if they don’t, it is time for you to hire some legal help. You can go online and search for lawyers for personal injury to get things in motion.
Doing so will ensure that your employer’s insurance provider doesn’t ignore your worker’s compensation claim requires and gives you a fair settlement offer. Moreover, hiring a lawyer will also let you navigate the obstacles and speed bumps surrounding a compensation claim request.
So, if you don’t have the legal expertise required to win your claim, then hiring a competent attorney will be your best course of action. Do it today!
Document everything.
One of the easiest ways to ensure that you get the most out of your worker’s compensation claim is to document everything related to your injury. However, before you do that, you need to inform your employer about the injury itself.
Moreover, ask them about the paperwork you need to file to have damages you suffered on record.
However, if you forget to report your injury to your employer, your chances of winning the claim will dramatically decrease. Furthermore, it would help to document any injury-related conversation you have with your employer, writing down all the details.
That said, whatever you do, don’t disclose the details of the conversation to anyone else other than your attorney.
Get medical treatment ASAP.
If your injuries are severe, this would be the first course of action. However, if they aren’t, the next step is to visit the hospital or doctor’s office as soon as possible. Don’t wait for your injury to get better, as doing so will give your employer’s insurance company a reason to deny your right to compensation.
Even if you aren’t seriously injured, it is better to be safe than sorry. So, visit the doctor or your local hospital to get your injury on record.
However, if the insurance company requires that you visit a particular doctor chosen by them, remain cautious. Whatever you do, don’t outright refuse to see their doctor. Instead, ask them to change your doctor if you think you aren’t receiving the best treatment possible.
In the end, always remember that the insurance company’s doctor will work for the company’s best interest, not yours.
Don’t forget that you’re being watched.
Your employer and insurance provider will keep a close eye on everything you do, including hiring PIs to stake out your house and follow you around. After all, with the help of technology, it isn’t difficult to record a video of you picking up your crying toddler, walking to your mailbox, or unloading groceries from your car. Your employer’s insurance provider will use all of this against you to prove that you’re faking your injury.
Furthermore, consider staying off social media and avoid posting any videos or photos. Who knows, the insurance provider will use them to show that your arent as injured as you claim to be.
Understand your worker’s compensation benefits.
Injured employees should know about worker’s compensation benefits they’re entitled to. While these might vary from state to state, the following benefits are typically available; temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, medical treatment, and vocational rehabilitation, to name a few.
Because your employer’s insurance company won’t have your best interests at heart, you shouldn’t always rely on them to explain all of these benefits to you.
So, if you have any questions about your state’s benefits system, get in touch with your worker’s compensation lawyer or agency for help.
Conclusion.
Suffering an injury or being in an accident at your workplace can lead to a lot of pain, stress, and, most importantly, a massive hole in your wallet.
However, to get the compensation you’re entitled to, following the tips mentioned above is vital. That said, if you’re having trouble with your claim, your best bet is to hire a competent lawyer who knows the ins and out of a worker’s compensation claim.