Even the most experienced and skilled workers make blunders and there are instances when you may be injured due to no fault of your own. If you have been injured at work due to the fault of someone else, you are eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. But before you take this step, it is important to be aware of the dos and don’ts of trying to claim compensation for injuries that occurred in your workplace.
There are people who often believe that it is a simple job to claim compensation for workplace injuries. But little do they know that there are stringent restrictions that you have to abide by while commencing a workers’ compensation claim. Let’s check out a list of the dos and don’ts that you should follow if you are all set to file a claim against your employer.
Don’t go by the process alone- Seek the help of a workplace injury lawyer
In order to claim workers’ compensation, you have to meet certain requirements in order to be eligible to obtain the payments for your medical expenses and weekly benefits. Workers’ compensation insurers have a wide level of experience in defending injury claims. Paying out a minimum compensation amount for your workplace injuries is what they intend to do and hence it is a smart decision to join hands with an experienced lawyer.
Do maintain records, particularly photographs
No matter what kind of injury you sustain in a workplace, it is important to click photographs and keep them safe until you file a claim. Also keep a note of the place you were injured and the details of the eyewitnesses, if any. This evidence will help in improving the seriousness of your injuries and the receipts of your treatments will play a vital role in helping you obtain the compensation.
Don’t delay the process as you may cross the statute of limitations
As soon as you sustain a workplace injury, you should immediately inform the same to your employer. Depending on the state you live in, you will generally get a maximum time period of six months to lodge a compensation claim. You may also have to offer your employer a Work Cover certificate of Capacity that certifies you to be unfit to attend work. As soon as you lodge the workers’ compensation claim and the insurance company of your employer accepts the responsibility for the injury, they should start making payments for your medical expenses and weekly benefits.
Don’t accept any decisions given by the insurers
As already mentioned above, insurance companies will always try to settle for a lesser amount than what you owe them. As a result, the insurers might try to settle the matter upfront by giving you a compensation amount and later on rejecting liability. This is why you should never accept any decisions made by insurers without consulting a lawyer.
Making a workers’ compensation claim can be a complicated and overwhelming process. since you might not be aware of all the steps to take, it is a smart decision to seek the help of a workers’ compensation lawyer.
The post What are the dos and don’ts of workers’ compensation that you should keep in mind? appeared first on Enterprise Podcast Network – EPN.
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