Workers’ compensation is no-fault insurance that allows injured workers to get compensation for their medical bills and lost wages if they were injured at work. This means if the worker is injured or sustains any illness due to work, they do not need to prove the employer’s fault to get compensation.
While this may sound easy, the process can be equally complex, which is one of the common reasons victims make mistakes that result in a denied workers’ compensation claim. However, with the help of a workers compensation lawyer in phoenix, you can eliminate the risk of making these mistakes.
Three mistakes can ruin your workers’ compensation claim.
- Failing to report the injury.
As soon as you sustain work-related injury or illness, your first step should be to report the accident to your employer in writing and keep one copy of the written report with yourself. Timely reporting will ensure that your injuries are severe and the employer does not neglect them. Failure to do so can make the insurance company doubt your injuries and question whether they happened at the workplace or not.
- Failing to seek immediate medical attention.
When you delay your medical treatment or refuse one, your employer may use it against you to claim your injuries are not severe. Additionally, the insurance company will deny your claim saying that you are exaggerating your injuries. When you seek medical attention timely and follow the doctor’s advice, you will be able to determine the exact value of your injuries and the expenses needed. Moreover, the report will also come in handy when filing the claim.
- Failing to keep a record of all the documents.
From the day of your injury, you are responsible for maintaining all the records. These records include your written report, any communication after the accident between you and your employer, medical reports, bills, prescriptions, and a list of all expenses. Keeping track of all these documents will ensure that you get the deserving compensation.
- Not consulting a lawyer.
The injured victim is not obligated to contact a lawyer as per the law. However, without a lawyer, getting compensation can be tricky. Furthermore, when the insurance company and your employer find out you are fighting for your compensation alone, they will use different tricks to manipulate you to settle for less than you deserve. Therefore, a lawyer will fight for your rights and get the compensation that will cover all your losses due to work-related injuries or illness.