byAlma Abell
Worker’s compensation insurance is designed to provide a layer of financial protection for employees who get hurt a work. Unfortunately, many workers don’t realize that they could be making grave mistakes that could impede their eligibility to receive these benefits. If you’ve found yourself in need of worker’s compensation benefits because of an injury you sustained at work, here are the mistakes you need to avoid making so that you can get what you need:
Mistake #1: Not Properly Reporting the Injury
Many workers fail to report their accident or injury to their employer because they don’t believe that it’s serious enough or they fear what may happen to them if they do so. Unfortunately, not reporting your injury in a timely manner could cost you your benefits. Make sure you let your supervisor know what happened and have them fill out a formal report about the incident in case you need to prove that you followed the correct protocol.
Mistake #2: Not Telling Your Doctor Everything
If you plan to file a worker’s compensation claim with your employer’s insurance company, it’s vital that you understand the importance of reporting all of your injuries to your doctor during the first visit. In order to win your case, you’ll need to make sure that there are no gaps in your medical records, and documenting every detail about the accident will help you do just that.
Mistake #3: Not Hiring An Attorney
Your employer’s insurance company will generally be most concerned about protecting their own assets. Consequently, it’s a good idea to have someone on your side who can be your legal advocate throughout the case. Your work comp lawyer in MN will not only ensure that you file your claim before the statute of limitations runs out, but they will also make sure that you aren’t taken advantage of by the insurer’s independent medical expert, who may recommend that you return to work before you’re ready so that you lose your chances of receiving benefits.
Don’t make the assumption that your employer’s insurance company is working on your behalf. If you don’t work with an experienced lawyer who can help you obtain the benefits you need, you’ll likely be fighting on your own. Get in contact with the team at Malone and Atchison to find out more about how you can get the legal help you need to get a favorable outcome in your case.