You may believe that if you get injured at work, you are guaranteed to get the compensation you need because your employer holds workers’ compensation insurance.
While you should be able to feel confident, the truth is getting the compensation you deserve is not always easy.
Insurers often deny claims or try to minimize how much they must pay. Doing so increases their profits and keeps their shareholders happy.
Here are three things to avoid doing if you want to give your claim the best chance:
Failing to meet deadlines
In California, you must report your accident in writing to your employer within 30 days and file your claim within a year. Getting them out of the way as soon as possible reduces the chance you are late and invalidate your claim.
Ignoring the doctor’s advice
Your insurance claim depends on the doctor’s assessment of you. If they say you need to take x number of weeks off work, you should get compensation calculated for that amount of time. So, if you decide you feel fine earlier and start working, be it paid work or work around the garden, an insurer may wonder why they should pay you. Avoid anything that goes against the doctor’s orders.
Settling without legal help
Employers or insurers sometimes use underhand tactics to settle a claim. They may offer what seems like a good amount but could be far less than you turn out to need. It takes time to understand the total costs of a workplace injury. Getting legal help to guide you through the process can help you avoid mistakes that harm your ability to get the full amount you need.