Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance in case their employees get injured on the job. However, that doesn’t mean obtaining these workers’ compensation benefits is always a piece of cake. Many injured workers make mistakes during the claims process that prevent them from receiving the compensation they deserve. Here is some advice on how to get the most out of your workers’ compensation claim.

Report Your Injury to Your Employer Immediately

It’s important to inform your employer of your injury as soon as it happens. All states require workers to report their injuries within a certain timeframe. If you wait too long to tell your employer about your injuries, you could lose out on compensation.

Seek Medical Care

Even if your injury seems pretty minor right now, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries seem minor in the beginning, but get worse over time. The sooner a doctor evaluates your injury, the easier it will be to treat. Additionally, if you wait too long to see a doctor about your injuries, it could hurt your claim. The injury company may assume that you aren’t as hurt as you say you are and try to deny your claim.

Educate Yourself About Available Workers’ Compensation Benefits

It’s important to learn and understand all the benefits available to you through the workers’ compensation system. All states have varying rules, you generally can receive permanent disability benefits, temporary disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, medical treatment and mileage. You can find all of this information out by contacting your state’s workers’ compensation agency.

Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions

After a doctor has properly assessed and diagnosed your injuries, he or she will recommend an appropriate treatment. Whether your doctor suggest physical therapy or taking medication, it’s important to follow his or her instructions. Failing to follow your doctor’s orders not only puts your health at risk. It also can give the insurance company a reason to deny your claim.

Don’t Talk to the Insurance Company

After you’ve been injured at work, your employer’s insurance company will likely want to talk to you. While they may seem nice and friendly over the phone, they don’t have your best interests in mind. If you talk to the insurance company without legal representation, you might say something that could hurt your claim.

Consider Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you have a simple and straightforward workers’ compensation claim, you might not need legal assistance. However, if there are complexities in your case, it may be in your best to work with a workers’ compensation lawyer, like skilled New York workers’ compensation lawyers. For example, if your injury may lead to permanent disability or your employer has retaliated against you for filing a claim, consider hiring a lawyer. He or she can assess the value of your claim and negotiate with the insurance company.

Schedule a free consultation with a workers’ compensation lawyer today.

Thanks to our friends and contributors from Polsky, Shouldice, & Rosen, P.C. for their insight into workers’ compensation.