4 Mistakes To Avoid After Being Injured At Work

An injury at work can be a hassle, and it can even turn your life upside down if you are seriously injured. Employers are required to carry workers compensation insurance to protect employees if they are hurt on the job. However, there are steps and procedures that must be followed in order to have a workers compensation claim approved. If you've been seriously hurt at work and need to file a workers compensation claim, avoid the following common mistakes:

Not Immediately Reporting the Injury

When an injury happens at work, don't go home or visit your own doctor outside of work. It is absolutely essential that you report the injury immediately to your supervisor so an accident report can be written up. This will ensure that there is proof that the injury happened at work and not when you were off the clock.

Failing to Follow Your Doctor's Orders

In many cases, an employer will require an injured employee to visit a specific doctor or clinic when there is a workplace injury, so make sure you speak to human resources prior to seeking medical treatment. After being seen by a doctor, carefully follow the prescribed treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments. Failure to follow the doctor's orders may make it look like you are not seriously injured, which can hurt your workers compensation claim.

Not Keeping Documentation

After a workplace injury, it is important to be organized and keep track of all documentation. Make sure that you get a copy of the accident report, and write down all of the details of the accident as well as the names and contact information of any witnesses, as soon as possible. It can also be a good idea to request copies of your medical records after being treated for your injury so you can keep them on file.

Neglecting to Hire an Attorney

If the insurance company is dragging out your claim or your workers comp claim is denied, it is imperative to hire an experienced workers compensation attorney right away. An attorney will be able to use the documentation you have collected to build your case and work with the insurance company to ensure that your appeal is approved and you receive the compensation that you are entitled to. Don't worry about the cost of an attorney-- in most cases, workers compensation attorneys work on contingency so you do not have to worry about any out-of-pocket costs.  You can discover more here.

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