Common Workers’ Compensation Mistakes
August 16, 2019
When a worker is injured on the job, they are eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits. These benefits cover the costs associated with the injury, including medical bills, prescription medication, physical therapy, and vocational assistance. However, the Workers’ Compensation claims process can be complicated, and there are common mistakes people make that result in their claim being denied or receive a compensation amount that is too low. A skilled Workers’ Compensation lawyer can help you avoid these mistakes and ensure that you receive the benefits you deserve.
Top Mistakes to Avoid
- Filing a claim without the help of a Workers’ Compensation lawyer. If you proceed with filing a claim on your own, you may not secure the maximum financial benefits that you deserve. An experienced Workers’ Compensation lawyer has a thorough understanding of the claims process and will be able to reach a better benefit settlement.
- Failing to report the accident. It is crucial that you notify your employer about your injury and follow the specific policies for reporting workplace accidents. If your employer does not have a policy in place, write a detailed description of what happened and provide a copy to your supervisor, the human resources department, and the company’s health care provider.
- Missing the deadline for filing a claim. A Workers’ Compensation claim must be filed within a specified amount of time after the date of the injury. If you miss the deadline or your claim is incomplete, your claim may be denied.
- Not providing complete information about your injury to your health care provider. The benefits you receive will be based on a range of factors, including your medical records and the accident report that you filled out. Make sure that you are open and honest about how the injury has affected you and your quality of life. The medical provider’s records will carry a lot of weight if there is a dispute with your claim.
- Not complying with your doctor’s orders. If it appears that you are not following your doctor’s advice and doing everything you can to recover from your injury, your benefits may be denied or discontinued. Attend all appointments and follow all treatment recommendations.
- Fail to request a second opinion. When a worker is injured on the job, they must see the health care provider that their employer recommends. However, the injured worker should also see their regular doctor who is more familiar with their health history and medical background.
- Return to work before you are fully recovered. Insurers may pressure injured workers to return to work so that they do not have to pay costly benefits. If the doctor of record does not approve your return to work, you do not have to accept any job duties, even if they have been modified for your current stage of recovery.
- Failure to seek work after recovering from injury. Unless you have a disability that prevents you from returning to work, you must return to work as soon as you are able. Notify your employer if any accommodations need to be made to do your job.
Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Injured Workers
If you have been injured on the job, contact the Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will walk you through the claims process and obtain the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 844-556-4LAW (4529) or contact us online. Located in Baltimore, we serve clients throughout Maryland.
