Protecting Your Workers’ Comp Benefits

When you are injured on the job, there are important steps that you must take to protect your right to collect Workers’ Comp benefits.

REPORT THE ACCIDENT: The first thing that you should do after a work accident is to report the accident to your supervisor. This is important even if the injury is minor and you feel that you do not need immediate medical attention.  Something like a slip and fall can cause serious injuries that do not show up immediately after the accident. If you wait to report your accident until you realize how badly you are hurt, your employer may claim that you were hurt somewhere other than the workplace.

GET MEDICAL CARE: Your employer or their insurance adjuster should provide you with medical care as soon as your accident is reported. It is best to be seen by the doctor right away, even if you think that you are not seriously injured.

TELL THE TRUTH: Workers’ compensation benefits can be denied if you fail to give a complete and accurate medical history to all healthcare providers who treat you for your injuries. The Workers’ Compensation law allows the insurance company to ask questions about your medical and accident history and the law requires you to give full and accurate answers. It is extremely important to be truthful, even if you believe the information is not important. Failure to do this can result in the insurance company denying all your workers’ compensation benefits.

TAKE PICTURES: If you have injuries that you can see, like a cut or a bruise, take pictures of your injuries. If you are able,  take photographs of the scene of the accident. Write down the names of any witnesses to your accident. If you would like to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your Workers’ Comp claim, call my office to schedule an appointment.