Top Mistakes After a Work Injury – 5 Common Workers’ Compensation Mistakes and How They Can Cost You Money
Workers’ compensation mistakes can be the difference as to whether or not you file a successful claim.
Many employees are guilty of workers’ compensation mistakes. It’s understandable, as the landscape surrounding a workers’ compensation claim can be difficult to understand.
Workers compensation is designed to help employees when such injuries occur, preventing them from working. It is a state-mandated legal remedy that benefits workers who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.
From slips and falls to construction accidents, workplace injuries are far too common. Reports from the United States Department of Labor show over 13,000 workers’ compensation claims in the state of California alone.
If you think you have a workers compensation case, it’s important to follow certain guidelines to ensure a proper claim. Here are five common workers’ compensation mistakes to avoid:
Not notifying your employer of the injury –
One of the top workers’ compensation mistakes, it may seem daunting at first. Even fears of retaliation may creep into your mind. However, it’s important to notify your employer as soon as possible, as there may be long term repercussions from not doing so.
Filing a workers’ compensation claim too late –
Workers’ compensation mistakes may be due to lack of self-reliability. There is a time crunch in regards to reporting your workplace injuries.
The statute of limitations in the state of California for an injury is one year. Otherwise, you may not be able to receive benefits.
Not choosing your own doctor –
In the state of California, you will be able to select a doctor of your choosing as long as you have medical coverage for non-work-related treatment, and you have provided written notice to your employer prior to your work injury.
Please keep in mind that you should feel comfortable with your treating physician, as this is an important key to your well-being and recovery from injuries.
Lack of cooperation –
Refusing to follow doctor’s orders or falsifying/excluding information from any parties can only worsen the situation. It’s important to be honest with all groups involved. Cooperate with your work and doctors, and tell the truth in regards to your injury.
Not consulting with an attorney –
The laws and rules surrounding workers’ compensation can be extremely difficult to understand. It’s no wonder why injured workers are frequently making workers’ compensation mistakes. A Google search can bring up various answers to commonly asked questions, throwing curveballs as to how you should move forward with your claim. Consulting with an attorney may help you down the right path.
Workers’ compensation claims can be the result of various types of on-the-job accidents. Some industries that have the most workers’ compensation claims are:
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Farming and agriculture
- Manufacturing
Some of the benefits available under workers’ comp in California are:
- Medical benefits: These may help cover costs of medical bills from doctor visits, medications, surgeries, therapy, etc.
- Temporary disability benefits: These are benefits available for a certain period of time after an injury or surgery. It can range from a few weeks to a few months.
- Permanent disability benefits: For more long-term reasons, these benefits can help if you suffer through an accident that leaves you permanently injured and unable to resume normal job functions.
- Vocational rehabilitation: If you cannot return to your previous job at full strength due to your injury, you may qualify for a voucher to pay for retraining at eligible schools.
- Dependent death benefits: When a worker is killed on the job, their dependents, such as children, spouse, parents, grandparents, etc., can be eligible to receive death benefits after the accident.
The Los Angeles attorneys at C&B Law Group will work on your side to fight any issues. We want to help prevent you from making any workers’ compensation mistakes.
We vow to guide you throughout your claim process. Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys will help you with on-the-job injuries caused by workplace injury accidents., and assure you don’t fall victim to any workers’ compensation mistakes.
Our firm has several years of experience handling workers compensation cases. We’ve seen the downfalls of workers compensation mistakes, and how they can affect employees.
Our team is committed to helping you secure the justice you deserve. Please give our LA and Burbank workers’ comp attorneys a call today for a free consultation.
