The pain of an injury or illness can be a lot to handle on its own, but when it happens at work it can add a whole layer of complexity. Workers’ compensation is there to protect you, offering benefits that can cover medical bills, lost income, and more. But one mistake could lead to delays or denials.
What Not To Do When Filing for Workers’ Compensation
Many workers’ comp delays and denials are caused by mistakes. The workers compensation attorneys at Brazil Sweeney Law Group can help you avoid these common ones as well as other less common and more complicated ones to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Waiting to Report Your Injury
A crucial first step is reporting your injury to your workplace right away. Delaying or failing to properly notify your employer could result in your claim being denied or your benefits being reduced. In Minnesota, you have up to 180 days from the time of the injury, but after 14 days your employer can challenge the timeliness of your report and after 30 you may have to prove that a mistake, lack of knowledge or employer misconduct caused the delay.
Providing Incomplete Information
Filling out workers’ compensation paperwork can feel tedious and redundant but providing complete and accurate information is extremely important. Leaving out important facts, providing inconsistent information, or trying to hide any preexisting conditions could be used as a reason to delay, reduce or completely deny your claim.
Volunteering Extra Information
While you need to provide a detailed and accurate account of your injury, including when it occurred, how it occurred and your symptoms, it is generally not in your best interest to supply more information than what’s necessary. Just like any time you are talking to an insurance adjuster, it’s important not to speculate or admit fault. Just stick to the facts because anything you say could be used to try and reduce or deny your claim.
Not Following Doctor’s Orders
If you are involved in a workers’ compensation claim, it’s likely that you are being treated by a physician. It’s important that you follow through with appointments and strictly adhere to the treatment plan. Your medical record will be part of your claim, tracking the injury and your progress. Disobeying your doctor’s advice can damage the legitimacy of your claim, causing it to be denied or your benefits to be revoked.
Handling the Process Alone
The process of filing a worker’s comp claim can be stressful and intimidating. Insurance companies are rarely looking out for your best interest and often try to pay out as little as possible. It can be beneficial to have a workers’ compensation or personal injury attorney on your side. Not only will they help you navigate what can be a complicated legal process, but they can advocate for your rights and fight to get you the benefits you deserve.
Let Us Work for You
At Brazil Sweeney Law Group, we have helped injured workers in Minnesota navigate the entire workers comp process with care and confidence. We stand by our clients throughout the entire legal process, providing support and guidance every step of the way.
If you have been injured while on the job, trust us to fight to get you the benefits you deserve for your recovery and financial security. Call today for a free, no-obligation case review and let us get to work for you. There’s no fee unless we win.