Workers’ comp benefits make it easier for you to make ends meet after a work injury. However, navigating the claims process can be complicated, with many workers making mistakes that delay their benefits and affect how much they receive.
Whether dealing with an ongoing claim or filing for the first time, you must understand your rights and responsibilities. This way, you’ll be able to maximize your benefits. Continue reading to discover five helpful tips that will guide you.
1. Report Your Injury Immediately
Reporting your workplace injury is one of the most important steps in maximizing compensation. Time plays a major role in your case because delays may raise questions about your claim’s validity, leading to denial.
States also have specific deadlines for reporting your injury to your employer. Failing to meet these deadlines may strain your case, reducing your chances of getting fair compensation. Ensure to provide a clear and accurate account of events when reporting.
2. Document Everything
One of the best ways to boost your claim is to document everything related to your injury. In addition to reporting the injury to your employer, maintain a claim journal, noting the accident’s date, time, and circumstances.
Describe your pain levels, symptoms, and how the event affected your everyday activities. Keep copies of your medical reports, treatment plans, and prescriptions from healthcare professionals. Track the expenses relating to the injury, including medical bills, lost wages, transport costs, and domestic help.
3. Get Quick Medical Attention
Seeking immediate medical attention is important after you’ve suffered a workplace injury. Besides protecting your health, it strengthens your compensation for a work injury. If you delay treatment, you may worsen your condition and create doubts about your injury’s origin.
The best action is to visit your employer’s authorized healthcare provider. Sometimes, you may need to visit the insurance company’s chosen doctors. Either way, clearly explain how the injury occurred and ensure the details are properly documented on the medical report.
4. Determine Your Benefits
Understanding the benefits available through the workers’ comp system is also important. Although each state has its own eligibility rules and payout amounts, several benefits are typically awarded; these include:
- Permanent disability benefits
- Temporary disability benefits
- Medical treatment
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Mileage
Remember that insurance companies usually try to pay the lowest amounts possible. Don’t rely on them to explain all the benefits available to you. Instead, contact your state workers’ compensation officials if you have any questions.
5. Hire a Worker’s Comp Lawyer
If your workers’ comp case is simple, you may not need a lawyer to guide you. This applies if the insurance company does not contest your claim. However, you may need attorneys for workers comp if the company denies or reduces your benefits, makes a settlement offer, or ignores your claim.
Either way, the workers’ comp claim process can be tricky. You may be unsure when to accept a settlement or how much is fair for your case. An attorney helps you value your claim, negotiate with the company, and represent you if there is a need for an appeal.
Endnote
To make the most of your workers’ comp claim, report your injury immediately and get quick medical attention. Be sure to document everything, from medical records to expenses, determine your benefits, and hire an attorney if it gets to it.
