Mistakes That Can Affect Your Workers' Compensation Claim

Workers’ compensation may provide compensation for lost wages and medical bills if you get an injury or illness from work. Unfortunately, due to the complexity and confusion of the claims process, workers often make mistakes along the way. 

Mistakes can lead to insurance companies or employers denying, delaying, or undervaluing your claim. The following mistakes can affect your claim's success and the amount you receive.

Failing to Report the Injury

In the event of an injury at work, you should inform your employer or supervisor orally or in writing. For reporting and responding to work injuries, follow your employer's and state's policies and procedures.

If you wait to report the injury, you are more likely to have problems recovering benefits. The Workers' Compensation Commission may discount the severity of your injury or doubt that the accident happened at work, resulting in less compensation than you deserve.

You also risk having your claim denied.

Not Seeking Proper Medical Treatment

No matter how minor your work-related injury may seem, seek medical attention first. You may be able to improve the outcome of your treatment if you receive a quick diagnosis. In addition, treatment may increase your chance of receiving workers' compensation benefits.

If you delay medical evaluations, your injuries may not be easy to link to a work-related accident. Your employer can argue that the injury happened outside the job or that you worsened your injuries outside the workplace.

Moreover, not seeking treatment may seem like you did not sustain any injury.

Disregarding Your Doctor's Orders

When you see a doctor after suffering a work-related injury, follow your prescription and schedule appointments precisely as instructed. 

Not complying with your doctor could stand in the way of your recovery. Insurers and employers will often argue that you should lose your medical and work benefits if you don't follow your doctor's instructions.

If you feel your doctor is not giving you the best advice, ask your workers' compensation lawyers to help you seek another doctor's opinion. 

Failing to Keep Accurate Records

Keeping accurate and detailed records is crucial to your claim when you suffer a workplace injury or illness. 

Keep track of the time you spend away from work due to your condition and any medical expenses you incur. The records you keep will ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Being Dishonest About Your Injury

You should be honest about your accident or injury with all parties involved, including your supervisor, doctor, and the insurance company.



Trying to increase your benefits by exaggerating your injury can backfire and result in a denied claim. A downplayed injury could also result in insufficient compensation.

Falsifying material facts may not only hurt your compensation claim but may also result in jail time.

Hiding Facts from Your Attorney

Your lawyer's job is to ensure that you receive a fair settlement. To reach a successful settlement, you should tell your lawyer all the information related to your case, whether good or bad. 

Do not leave out any details, no matter how tiny. The list includes prior injuries, current medical conditions, previous legal issues, financial difficulties, prior alcohol or drug use, employment history, or anything else your employer's insurance company can use against you. 

Keep in mind that your workers' compensation attorney is fighting for you, and they cannot defend against something they are not aware of.

Signing Documents Without a Lawyer

You should always consult a lawyer before signing any documents from your employer or workers' compensation provider. Once you sign your name on any settlement offer, you agree not to pursue any additional benefits.

Therefore, if your condition worsens after accepting the settlement offer, you may not be able to obtain additional benefits.

If you suffer an injury on the job, speaking with an attorney may be helpful. By working with a trusted attorney, you can avoid the mistakes above and make the process as smooth as possible.

For more information about workers' compensation benefits or if you need a trusted lawyer, contact us today.