Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers: Avoid These Mistakes When Reporting a Work-Related Injury
January 6, 2016If you were hurt in a workplace accident or have recently been diagnosed with an occupational illness or injury, the actions you take during the first few days will set the tone for the rest of your claim. This can make or break your chances of recovering the compensation you need to provide for yourself and your family, so it is important to use this time wisely. At LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, our Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers have helped thousands of individuals who have been hurt on the job get the benefits they deserve. Below are some of the more common mistakes you should avoid when reporting a work-related injury or illness.
Keeping it a Secret
Many people feel reluctant to report a work-related injury to their supervisor. They may be embarrassed or worry that they will lose their job. They may think that the injury is not that serious and that they can work through the pain. However, failing to report the incident immediately can come back to haunt you later on if your injury does not improve on its own. Furthermore, Maryland Workers’ Compensation law has strict time limitations for reporting work-related injuries and filing a claim. The sooner you take this first step, the better your chances of getting benefits will be.
Not Getting Prompt Medical Attention
It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible after your injury, when the details of how it occurred are still fresh in your mind. This will help to avoid any potential skepticism over when the injury occurred and if it was really work-related. Moreover, it is often harder to convince insurance adjusters and the Workers’ Compensation Commission that your injury is serious if you neglected to seek medical attention right away.
Tell your doctor about all of your symptoms, including any changes or worsening of your condition. Do not leave out any information regarding past injuries to the same area or if you have any pre-existing health conditions. Keep records of your medical care and follow your doctor’s advice regarding treatment and follow-up appointments.
Providing False Information
Unfortunately, some people believe that if they embellish their symptoms or give a false account of the circumstances that led to the injury, their claim will be stronger. This is not the case. Insurance companies anticipate that some people will lie and as a result, they work hard to disprove or discredit claimants. They will likely require that you see one of their own doctors for a second examination. He or she will be looking for discrepancies between what you say versus what they observe. They may also hire a private investigator to record your activities in hopes of catching you doing something that is inconsistent with the information you told your doctor. Unfortunately, these tactics can sometimes be used to damage even the most valid claims. That is why it is always advisable to seek help from a reputable Workers’ Compensation lawyer. Your attorney will focus on the facts and build a compelling case to get you the benefits to which you are entitled.
Waiting to Get Help from a Lawyer
When you have been hurt on the job, you probably will get plenty of advice from those around you. Family, friends, coworkers and your boss are likely to have their own ideas on how you should proceed with your claim. However, even those who have been through the process before cannot fully understand the unique aspects of your individual case. Only an experienced and highly qualified Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyer will know the best way to handle your Workers’ Compensation claim to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of benefits. Early representation is the best representation. Do not wait until your claim is denied to seek help.
Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Handle All Stages of Workers’ Compensation Claims
When you have been hurt on the job, it is imperative to know your rights. Our Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton will work with you at every stage of your claim to ensure no mistakes are made that can harm your right to benefits. Call 844-556-4LAW (4529) today to discuss your case for free or contact us online.
