Getting injured at the workplace is unfortunate, but the silver lining is that you can get compensation to get your life on track again. Your injury should be covered, except for unusual circumstances. Moreover, these benefits kick in right after the injury to cover emergency treatment. Your employer will probably want to do the best for you, but you cannot trust the insurance carrier enough. They have a vested interest in skipping payments to claimants. But you can do your bit to bear them and get the claim value you deserve. Here are some valuable tips to help.
Seek immediate medical attention
Seeking immediate medical attention should be on top of your mind after getting hurt on the job. You may feel tempted to overlook it if there are no visible injuries. There could be deep-seated injuries only an expert can detect. Moreover, delay in medical care gives the insurance company a fair chance to deny your claim. They may bring arguments such as the injury not being serious enough or not even happening at the workplace.
Inform your employer
The next step is to inform your employer about the injury at work or on duty for business. Not passing on the information right away can land you in a fix. It means that your employer or the insurance company may have reasons to believe that you do not have a legit claim. Your employer will have a Report of Injury form for workers, so make sure you fill it out without hesitation. If your employer harasses you for reporting a work-related injury, see a workers’ comp lawyer immediately.
File your claim fast
Do not assume that informing your employer about the mishap and injuries is the same as filing a claim. You must file it at the earliest to claim your compensation benefits for covering your medical expenses and lost wages. Your attorney will use a Work injury compensation calculator to find the value of the claim you deserve. Also, remember to stick to the deadline for filing the claim. Missing out on it means you may lose the right to claim compensation for your injury.
Choose your doctor wisely
Getting the claim you deserve is also about finding the right doctor to validate your injuries. You will have to opt for a professional authorized by the insurance company rather than choose randomly. You may consider changing doctors down the line if you are not comfortable with the treatment. But remember to notify the insurance adjuster before switching. Ensure you trust the professional enough to give unbiased opinions and treatment for your condition.
Be consistent with your statements
Seasoned injury attorneys recommend being consistent with your statements every time you have to explain the accident and your injuries. Have a detailed record and be honest and specific. The insurance company experts dig deep into every medical report and record to find loopholes that could lead to a denial. They may also try to limit the compensation value by showing a pre-existing condition or other inconsistencies. Getting guidance from a legal expert can help you in this context.
Getting the compensation you deserve for a workplace injury should be a priority. It is the only way to resume normalcy, so you must do your best to get it.
