Getting hurt on the job can impact your livelihood. Filing a workers’ compensation claim will ensure you get compensation for medical treatment and the time spent off work healing. Insurers and employers have several requirements that must be met to get the full benefits from a workers’ compensation claim. To ensure you don’t jeopardize coverage, here are a few mistakes to avoid. 

3 Errors People Make When Filing Workers’ Compensation Claims

1. Procrastinating 

If you are injured at work, let your employer know as soon as possible in writing. This is the first step in preparing to file for workers’ compensation. States have laws that stipulate how much time can pass between an employee getting injured and reporting it to their employer. Look at your state’s Department of Labor website for information regarding deadlines. Failure to report the injury by the deadline means you’ll no longer be eligible for benefits. 

2. Not Showing up to Work

The money from your workers’ compensation claim is meant to go toward your recovery, so you can get back to work quickly. Until you completely heal, the employer might offer modified duties that won’t aggravate your injury. As long as your doctor approves, it’s in your best interests to accept the offer. Otherwise, refusing or not showing up for work could lead to a termination of your claim. 

3. Failing to Disclose All Injuries

When you file for workers’ compensation, provide as much detail as possible in the report. This can avoid any disputes about the severity of your medical conditions later. You should not exaggerate injuries, either. If you are caught making false statements, you could be denied coverage.

To ensure you don’t make avoidable mistakes when filing for workers’ compensation, contact the attorneys at Carey & Hamner, P.C. in Dothan, AL, for help. They will explain state requirements and make sure you keep a paper trail of your initial report, diagnosis, and medical progress, so you don’t lose benefits. They will also advocate for you in court during personal injury and auto accident cases in southeastern Alabama. To schedule a consultation, call (855) 435-4797 or visit the law firm online.