Posted on Friday, January 31st, 2020 at 8:44 am
Tens of millions of people in the U.S. file for workers’ compensation each year, but whether or not those injured workers are successful in receiving monetary benefits from the government depends on how they file their claims.
In this article, we will uncover some common mistakes that individuals often make when filing for workers’ compensation.
Not Filing the Report on Time
When filing for workers’ compensation, you need to understand that time and cost are everything. Many applicants seem to be missing out on both. The main concern remains time. If you do not file your case on time, then it gets harder for the authorities and for you to retrieve information that validates your injury. It is recommended to file for compensation as soon as possible. If the case is severe, get in touch with an attorney on this matter.
Failing to Report to Employers
As unexpected as this mistake may sound, it is common among people filing for workers’ compensation. Some employees presume that their employers know everything, while others do not report out of fear of losing their job. When this happens, officials may look into your case and contact your employer for verification.
If your employer is not aware of your injury, they probably will deny your accident taking place at all. Therefore, it is crucial to inform your employers about your injury sooner rather than later.
Not Recording (or Investigating) the Time of Injury
The “Time of Injury” is probably among the vital components impacting your claim. Investigators will form the closest relationship to the time you were injured and question people who were available at that spot at that time. They will also look into other data correlating that timestamp like cell phone data or video footage. Therefore, you need to be as accurate as possible about the time.
Not Submitting Doctor Appointment Records
If you have visited a doctor after your accident, supply the documents referencing the same. People often fail to attach these documents with their claim application. Attaching such documents can speed up the confirmation process, and ultimately your application. These records can range anywhere from x-ray scan reports to prescriptions.
Lack of Constant Communication with a Claim Representative
Claim representatives are intermediaries between you and the government. You need to understand that the workers’ compensation application process can take longer, depending on the injury and specifics of the case. When you get back to work, it is easy to lose touch with your claim representative on the progress of your case. This is a mistake. You need to ensure that there are agreements in place from returning to light duty to completion of medical care.
Filing Without Consulting an Attorney
When filing for workers’ compensation, some people file it by themselves without seeking expert opinion. While this may not seem significant, it can turn out serious down the road. Filing for compensation is a legal process, and there are a set of procedures involved, some of which are only understood by professionals. When you file with incorrect information or process, your claim faces rejection. In that case, you cannot refile it.
If you have questions about workers’ compensation or need help filing your claim to ensure you get all documentation done correctly to assure you get the payment that you deserve, contact the attorneys of Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. today.