No matter the circumstances of your accident, you deserve to move forward in your life as well as possible. Sometimes, this means that the right thing to do is to pursue a settlement by talking to a workers comp lawyer or a workers compensation law firm. It also might mean quickly and thoroughly researching your options for recovery and acting as soon as possible. The decisions you make in the period immediately following your accident will make an enormous difference. Make sure you do not make any of the following mistakes if you want the best outcome possible.
Failing to Report The Accident to Your Employer
This is especially important if your accident is related to your work. In any possibility whatsoever that you might try to obtain workers’ compensation, you will need to ensure that you report. Legally, it will be a lot harder to get a settlement if there is no record of a report. Even with a fantastic attorney, you will not be able to do much. Ensure you follow your company’s protocols and instructions for accident reporting. Again, failing to do so can result in legal complications later on. Even if you are currently not planning to pursue compensation, you might change your mind at a later time – and you do not want to be caught in that difficult position.
Seeing the Wrong Doctor
Finding a doctor who will help you is an essential step. It would help to find the right doctor to give you a diagnosis you can trust. If you feel the need to get a second opinion, that is fine. You may want to talk to your lawyer if that is the case. Workers’ compensation lawyers who deal with litigation relating to work accidents will likely have worked with local doctors in similar situations before and will know who to recommend. In certain states, some laws will make it necessary to find only pre-approved or in-network doctors. Make sure that you know beforehand that you understand your state’s requirements.
Failing to Make A Full and Accurate Report to Health Care Providers
The doctor you see may be considered a viable source of evidence in the legal struggle that may happen due to you seeking workers’ compensation. The workers’ comp attorneys can and will review their records to straighten out the facts. Thus, inaccurate reporting or insufficiently detailed descriptions of the problem can result in legal trouble for you later. When you see a doctor, describe your accident and medical symptoms thoroughly and clearly.
Failing to Follow the Doctor’s Medical Advice
Upon successfully obtaining worker’s compensation, you will receive funding to regularly receive check-ups, medication, therapy, and other resources to help you recover. If you neglect the instructions that your health professionals provide you, it can cause problems. It is even possible that future compensation could be endangered. Make an effort to follow the doctor’s instructions precisely and diligently. That way, you won’t be at risk of losing your workers’ comp settlement offer, and you will also heal faster.
Returning to Work too Early
The priority here should be your health. If you are eager to return to work, you might reinjure yourself. If you return to work before your doctor recommends that you do, that might endanger your workers’ comp payments. Many employers will offer you a modified position before you are entirely healed (since many workers comp lawyers or insurance companies will ask them to). Still, you should always check with a doctor to ensure that the workload in question is not a problem.
Settling a Workers Comp Claim Before Getting a New Job
If you ask any workers’ comp attorney, they will tell you the same thing: always ensure that the company assists with finding a new job if the accident has rendered you unable to work there. The medical procedures and rehabilitation payments should be part of the workers’ compensation agreement. It is possible that some businesses will try and act as though that is not their responsibility or that the agreement should not include such stipulations – but that is not very ethical. Always ensure you have a job lined up before signing off with a lawyer for workers’ compensation.
Failing to Hire a Competent North Carolina Workers’ Comp Attorney
The resulting legal struggle in the wake of a work accident can be messy. While it is technically possible to obtain a settlement from the business you work at without help, any experienced lawyer for workers’ compensation will tell you that it is always better to get an expert on your side. Local North Carolina workers’ comp lawyers with a good reputation will help you get the financial support you need. They have the experience necessary to know precisely what to do and avoid. They are familiar with the local laws and regulations unique to North Carolina. Every year, too many workers are given less than what they deserve by the same company responsible for that worker’s safety. Do not fall victim to the same common mistakes. Workers’ compensation law firms in your area can help.
Are you a North Carolina resident who has been injured on the job? Do you believe you have a strong workers’ compensation claim but require legal assistance? If so, then look no further than our website for help.
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