For those who have been injured while on the job, filing a workers’ compensation claim can be a daunting process. Adding to the stress of injuries, a worker may be left to worry that a claim may not fully cover costs for medical care or lost work. Proper coverage is vital for an injured worker to make a full recovery and our blog discusses x tips to help maximize a claim and reduce the risk of the wrongful denial of coverage.
Tips for filing a workers’ compensation claim include:
- Inform your employer: You must report your injury to your supervisor or manager as soon as possible. There are many rules and regulations governing the workers’ compensation claims process and it is important to be aware of deadlines. Failure to immediately report and file a claim may be used against you by an insurance company when you go to collect compensation.
- Go to the doctor: Little is more important than your health and if you have experienced an injury, it is critical to see a doctor as soon as possible. Only a doctor will be able to properly diagnose your injuries and advise you on a proper plan for rehabilitation and healing. Proper documentation of all injuries and symptoms is an important factor in making sure you receive every penny that you need. If you cannot show proof of an injury, an insurance company may look to avoid paying for related damages.
- Gather evidence: How did you get hurt? Were there witnesses to your claim? Did a hazardous environment come into play? The answers to questions like this can make or break your claim and it is important to gather evidence from the earliest moment. Write down everything you remember about how an injury occurred and create a file to store all related evidence. Take pictures of the area in which you were injured as well as any witness accounts of the accident.
- Be cautious when dealing with Insurance companies: While you must remain honest when discussing your case with an insurance company, do not give out more information than is needed or accept a settlement before consulting with an attorney. The company may be looking to pay out only what they are legally obligated to and they may be looking for information that will allow them to limit your claim. An experienced attorney will know which requests for information are reasonable and which are not.
- Hire a knowledgeable attorney: Insurance companies can have dedicated lawyers working to protect their interests and when you go up against a large corporation, you need someone in your corner who can fight for you. An experienced attorney will know how to deal with insurance companies to prevent them from minimizing your potential compensation. When one small mistake can lead to the reduction or denial of your claim, having the right legal representation can make the vital difference.
Effective Workers’ Compensation Claims Attorneys
While these tips can greatly help the success of your claim, it is likely that you will still have many questions. At Humphrey & Associates, we take pride in client education and together we can discuss your case in a FREE consultation. We have recovered more than 400 million dollars for past clients and with so much on the line, being well-informed can allow you to make the best decisions for your future. If you think that your claim has been wrongfully delayed, undervalued, or denied, contact our skilled Orange County workers’ compensation attorneys as soon as possible.
Call (844) 612-5800 and talk to an attorney about your claim today.