Success Tips For First-Time Worker's Compensation Filers
Suffering any kind of injury at work can seriously disrupt your ability to make ends meet. Whether you need to seek medical attention or not, you should still report the incident to the company. If you've never dealt with worker's compensation before, it's in your best interest to prepare yourself for the process. Here are a few tips to help you understand how to proceed so that you don't inadvertently jeopardize your case.
Always Report Injuries Immediately
Most states have a defined time period in which you have to report your workplace injury to your employer in order to be eligible for worker's compensation. For example, in New Hampshire, you have up to 2 years from the date of the injury to tell your employer and 3 years from the injury to file a claim. This time period is defined to allow for delayed development of problems, such as illnesses resulting from exposure to chemicals. Other physical injuries should be reported immediately, when they occur. Report it in writing so you have proof that you have done so.
File Your Claim As Soon As Possible
Before you can receive any compensation for your injury, you need to file a worker's compensation claim with your employer's insurance. Each state has their own procedures, so consider talking with a worker's compensation attorney before you file the claim. He or she will help you understand the proper filing procedure where you live. You may simply have to fill out a form and give it to your employer to submit.
Seek Medical Care
You'll want to get medical attention for your injury as soon as you can. Even if you're not sure the injury warrants it, you should go see your doctor for the sake of having it documented. That way, you have the injury report and any testing that your doctor does to help you support the claim when you go see the worker's compensation evaluator.
When you're seeking medical attention, it's important that you are clear on the instructions from the care provider. Follow all of the treatment recommendations and stick with the doctor you see so that you're showing not only a pattern of consistent care, but also a commitment to recovery. This will help you to support the legitimacy of your claim.
Keep A File With All Of The Records
Ask for copies of every single report, every lab test, and all of the paperwork from your employer. Keep the copies all together in one file so that you have as much supporting information as possible. If you're put on any work limitations, include a copy of the limitation order and a full explanation of what you are not permitted to do. Your attorney should get a copy of this folder as well.
Avoid Quitting Your Job
Especially if you're struggling with a serious injury or your employer is making things difficult for you since you were hurt, it may be tempting to just quit your job. However, that will actually put you at risk of losing any potential worker's compensation claim. Take a medical leave of absence or something similar instead.
Worker's compensation is an important benefit for those who are injured at work. Don't underestimate its potential value for you if you've been hurt. At the same time, don't go into the process unaware and cost yourself the chance of benefits due to a simple but costly mistake. Make sure you're doing everything possible to get the money that you deserve for your recovery. With the information here and the support of a skilled worker's compensation attorney from a law firm such as the Shaw Leslie Law Office, you can file your claim and support your position.
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