3 Tips For A Successful Workers' Compensation Claim
Getting the payout you deserve when filing a workers' compensation claim is not always an easy process. There are several pitfalls that could damage your case that you may not be aware of, especially if you have never filed a claim before. Here are three tips that can help you win your workers' compensation claim.
Report Your Injury Immediately
Many people try to "tough out" their injuries and finish the work day. Unfortunately, waiting too long to submit your claim can be extremely detrimental to your case. From an insurer's perspective, you will not hesitate to report your injury if it is severe enough to warrant a workers' compensation claim.
The statute of limitations for filing a workers' compensation claim differs by state. Additionally, the time limit to file your claim often differs from the time limit to report the injury to your employer. While reporting your injury and filing your claim within these time limits is usually mandatory, exceptions may be made in extreme cases. Examples include if the accident led to prolonged medical treatment, a coma, or other incapacitating circumstances that prevented the statute of limitations from being met.
Follow Your Physician's Instructions
In addition to judging the severity of your injury by how quickly you report it, insurers will consider the claimant's dedication to recovery from their injury. If an employee claims to have suffered serious injury, but does not follow their physician's instructions, it is more likely that the employee is trying to submit a fraudulent claim.
Even for people who have suffered legitimate injuries, it can be easy to engage in activities that your doctor has warned against. Depending on the severity of your injury, carrying groceries, working in your garden, and other semi-strenuous activities can reflect poorly on the authenticity of your claim.
Hire a Workers' Compensation Attorney
No matter how serious your injury is, winning a workers' compensation claim is never easy. The insurer will always be interested in paying the minimal amount for your claim, so you are not likely to see the results you deserve if you are working alone.
Hiring a personal injury attorney with experience in workers' compensation claims is the most important thing you can do to win your case. Your attorney will assist you with gathering and organizing the documentation you need, filling out the correct forms, and help you avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your claim. Many attorneys will provide a free initial consultation, so you should talk to several attorneys until you find the one that you feel is best suited to handle your case.
If you use these tips when filing a workers' compensation claim, you can maximize your chances of receiving payment for lost wages, medical expenses, and other expenses. Visit http://www.ieworkerscompattorney.com for more information.