U.S. workers punch the clock every day at a variety of jobs with a wide range of danger and injury risk. Whether your business is in an office building or operating heavy equipment on the side of the interstate, on-site accidents occur frequently, and employees may file for benefits in compensation for on-the-job injury or work-related illness. However, people frequently make mistakes when filling out workers’ compensation paperwork, and the mistakes can potentially ruin the entire process. Here are the most common mistakes that your employees should avoid when filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Delaying the Report
Despite the dazed or disoriented moments following a workplace injury, it’s critical that an employee document everything as soon as possible, including the specific details of what happened before, during, and after the accident. Injuries must be reported to the employer as soon as possible. Generally, employees have thirty days to file a report. There are exceptions to this, as in the case of occupational illness claims which start the clock from the date of diagnosis, but early notification is the best policy to ensure accuracy and timeliness of reporting and filing.
Omitting Details
It’s important that injured employees provide their doctor with a detailed and complete report of their accident and resulting symptoms and conditions. A failure to describe the injuries accurately can lead to a faulty medical record.
Falsifying Injuries
While some people feel they should exaggerate symptoms or fabricate injuries as a way to fortify their workers’ compensation claim, this approach will most likely backfire. Doctors generally run tests to determine the validity of injury claims. Embellishing injuries can result in the doctor affixing the label of “malingerer” to the employee’s file, which can damage or destroy a compensation case.
Noncompliance with Medical Plan
In some situations, the injuries or symptoms are not apparent or bothersome, prompting some individuals to abandon the medical plan. However, failure to adhere to the doctor’s orders can result in loss of benefits, in addition to eventual medical complications if the condition worsens.
Not Obtaining Legal Representation
Final decisions related to workers’ compensation benefits should be made under the guidance of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, only after conclusion of treatment or establishment of a treatment plan. Employees should disclose all relevant information to their attorney, including all medical records, legal issues, financial issues, and employment history. It’s also crucial that the employee not talk to anyone about the case besides the lawyer while the case is pending.
Workers’ compensation claims are intended to benefit employees suffering from job-related injuries or illnesses. These employees should not miss out on their benefits because of the technicalities involved in the filing process. By taking care to provide full and honest details in a timely manner, following doctors’ orders, and retaining professional representation, employees can obtain the compensation they deserve.
About InsureMyWorkComp
InsureMyWorkComp is a digital brokerage that helps clients find the right workers’ compensation solution for their business needs. Unlike other online platforms, we will help you to work with an agent who can provide you the right solution for your risk profile. Our staff has over 50 years of workers’ compensation underwriting and sales experience, and we are confident that we will provide you the support that you need. For more information or to get a quote, contact us today at (855) 340-9138.