How You Can Win Your Workers' Compensation Claim

Insurance companies try to find loopholes to deny you workers' compensation privileges. Your employer might try to deny your claim using different strategies, such as the claim application deadline.



Most injured workers make simple but expensive mistakes during the claims process. If you're hurt at work, understand your legal responsibilities and rights. Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your workers' compensation claim.

Report Your Injury

Failure to report your injury within the required time may make you ineligible for your compensation claim. Every state has its time span to report an injury. Notify your employer about the injuries for your claim to be officially initiated. You'll also access better medical care and proper accident investigation if you report your injuries immediately.

Seek Medical Treatment

The medical treatment promotes fast recovery and gives proof of injuries. Medical reports give details about your physical injuries and restrictions, which are useful when you file your claim.

Once you delay getting medical treatment, the insurance company will use the delay to its advantage. They may argue that the injury wasn't as serious as you claim. Some companies may argue that you were not even injured.

Change Medical Experts

Employees normally receive treatment from doctors provided by insurance companies. The medical experts hired by companies will likely have their best interests in mind. Avoid using the recommended doctor to prevent cases of conflict of interest.

If you do, medical experts might try to minimize your treatments or injuries to reduce the company's compensation. Change doctors to get proper treatment and the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Gather Your Evidence

When you file a claim for workers' compensation, you will need to prove your employer was at fault for your injuries. You'll need medical records to prove a connection between your injuries or illnesses with your work duties. Medical bill receipts will also come in handy to show how much you spent on your treatment.

Maintain your accident report to help in proving that you made the report in good time. You can also bring witnesses if the documents are insufficient to file your claim successfully. 

Understand the Compensation Benefits

Understand the available benefits through the workers' compensation system. You receive temporary disability benefits when you're away from work and recovering from your injuries.

The permanent disability benefits refer to your payment for long-lasting physical injury. Medical treatment compensation benefit is the common one that caters to your medical care for all your injuries.

Watch Out for Private Investigators and Surveillance

In case the insurance company questions your credibility, it might hire professionals to follow you around. Investigators will monitor you hoping to find you doing something that contradicts your claim. If they get anything against you, it will affect your compensation settlement. Outside doctor's offices are the most used sites for surveillance cameras.

They can also ask your neighbors or anyone else who may come to your property about your level of physical disability. While recuperating, always assume you're under surveillance and follow the doctor's instructions.

Hire a Workers' Compensation Attorney

If the insurance company voluntarily pays your claim, you might not need to work with an attorney. Hire a lawyer if the company denies or reduces your benefits, ignores your claim, or makes a settlement offer.

You might find navigating the workers' compensation system challenging and identifying when to accept a settlement. An experienced workers' compensation attorney will help negotiate a settlement, represent you at your hearing, and reignite your claim after denial.

Once injured at work, avoid taking up the workers' compensation journey on your own. At Spooner & Perkins, P.C, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your options and legal rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.