If you are injured on the job, look out for yourself. This is not the time to tough it out and continue to work and perform your duties. It is time to seek medical advice, get rest and promptly apply for workers’ compensation benefits. Failing to do so may have long-term financial ramifications.
That is the problem, though, encountered by some workers. They may not know that workers’ compensation benefits are available. They also may think it is too much of a hassle to apply the benefits, or simply contend that that their injury is not severe enough. Please do not make these mistakes.
Failing to report an injury
Here are some mistakes that could hinder any injured person from receiving workers’ compensation benefits:
- Not reporting your injury: Notify your employer immediately. If you delay reporting the injury, suspicions from doctors and your employer will be cast your way. Also, health care professionals and your employer may contend that your injuries were not work-related.
- Declining to promptly seek medical attention: First off, doing so could have potentially long-term effects on your health. In addition, your employer’s insurer will find another way to deny your claim, asserting that the injury did not take place at work.
- Providing too much information to your employer’s insurer: You likely have to provide certain details to your employer’s insurance carrier. However, remember that the insurance company is not looking out for you. It wants your claim to go away quietly and will do its utmost to avoid paying you or providing a token benefit amount.
- Neglecting to even file for benefits: Those benefits are there for a reason: to help you in your time of need. Some workers contend that they did not know such benefits were available. Others believe that their injuries were not serious and would not qualify them for workers’ compensation benefits.
You are in control. If you are unsure as to what to do, to do some research and talk with others who have had similar experiences.
It is critical to promptly apply
Understand that workers’ compensation benefits are there for a reason. They will temporarily provide you and your family with money during this time of need. Apply for these benefits right away. It is not a good idea to procrastinate because it only hurts you.