Getting injured on the job can be a traumatizing experience. Not only do you have to deal with the physical pain, but you must also take time off work to recover. Unplanned medical expenses plus a halt in your income quickly takes a toll on your finances. Most companies have a workers’ compensation program, but it takes time to process a claim and actually receive the funds from your employer. From initiating the claim to getting a lawyer for workers’ compensation, this article will go over five ways you can protect your rights after a work-related injury.
Seek Medical Care Immediately
Even if you think it is a minor injury, do not dismiss the seriousness of a workplace injury. The worst types of injuries occur when people neglect them because they feel like they can’t even miss one day of work. Pay attention to how you feel and seek medical care immediately after a workplace injury, even if you think it’s too much of an inconvenience. This is necessary evidence you need to have to file your workers’ compensation claim, and it also prevents you from further injury.
Inform your Employer ASAP
Remember to follow your company’s protocols for workplace injuries. No matter what, all employers will require you to inform them as soon as possible in the event of a workplace incident. Always seek medical attention first, but contact your boss to tell them about the incident as soon as you can. At that point, they will probably ask you to fill out a report. The most important thing is to report any workplace injury through the proper channels. This is one of the first things a workers’ comp lawyer will ask you about, so be honest about the details of the situation.
Stay off Social Media
In many instances, posting on social media can be detrimental to your workers’ comp case. When reviewing your workers’ comp claim, your employer will check all available evidence at their disposal to ensure you did everything you were supposed to do. They will most likely reject your claim if they find something that indicates your injury is less severe than you are claiming. If every workers’ compensation law firm had a list of blanket recommendations of what not to do, staying off social media during your recovery time would be at the top of the list.
Follow your Doctor’s Orders
Proof of medical care is another piece of evidence you must have when filing a workers’ compensation claim. It is also in your best interest to follow the doctor’s recommendations diligently and thoroughly. Despite your struggles on the road to recovery, you need to trust that following the doctor’s orders will help you heal. Ultimately, doing this will give you the best chances of going back to work and feeling as good as new.
Hire a Workers’ Comp Attorney
Unfortunately, employers try to find any and every reason to reject a workers’ compensation claim more often than not. You must do your part to ensure your employer does not have evidence of the following:
- you failed to seek medical help immediately
- you did not inform your employer of the workplace injury
- you were not following the doctor’s instructions
- you incorrectly filed the paperwork for the claim
These are some of the most common reasons a workers’ comp claim is rejected. In this day and age, it is a necessity to find a dependable workers’ compensation law firm. A good workers’ comp attorney will be there every step of the way to help you reach a settlement. The best workers’ compensation lawyers have what it takes to help you navigate the intricacies of civil litigation. Rest assured, our team is ready to assist you with your workers’ compensation claim. Contact Lee Law Offices today and count on us to help you get the compensation you deserve.
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