You are eligible for workers' compensation, but your employer's workers' compensation insurer, like any insurer, wants to pay you as little as possible. To get the workers' comp benefits that you deserve with as little stress as possible, you should try to avoid potentially costly mistakes.
Workers' Compensation Mistakes to Avoid
As you begin the process of getting your benefits, know that it is a mistake:
- Not to report your injury. It is your responsibility to notify your employer of your injury. Once that happens, your employer is responsible for beginning the workers' compensation benefits process. If possible, you should report your injury in writing. You don't need to know the full extent of your injury at the time that you make the report.
- To go back to work too soon. Your employer may pressure you to go back to work before you have medical clearance to do so. You should follow your doctor's orders and not go back to work before you have medical permission. You could jeopardize not only your workers' comp benefits but also your physical recovery.
- To skip medical appointments. Keeping all scheduled medical appointments protects your physical recovery and your workers' compensation benefits.
- Not to follow your doctors' orders. You should expect that your employer or your employer's workers' compensation insurer will find out if you don't follow your doctor's recommendations. They may even use an investigator to try to catch you doing something that is inconsistent with the injuries you claim to have, and with your doctor's treatment plan.
- To post on social media. Just as the workers' compensation insurer will be watching you in real life, you should also expect that they will be monitoring your social media accounts. If you post about working out, going to a party, or doing anything else that you couldn't or shouldn't do with your injuries, then that information may be used against you.
- To be unprepared for a deposition. An attorney can prepare you for your workers' comp deposition so that you don't exaggerate your injuries, provide information you aren't sure about, or act unprofessionally.
- To sign anything without consulting a workers' comp lawyer. Once you sign something, you have made a legal commitment. It can be hard, or impossible, to undo what has already been done. Therefore, we encourage you not to sign anything before reviewing it with your lawyer.
- To give a recorded statement. Workers' comp insurers may try to get you to say something that you don't mean or may take a part of your recorded conversation out of context to prove a point. Don't let this happen. Instead, let your attorney know if the insurance company is requesting a recorded statement.
- To go to a workers' comp hearing without an attorney. Hearings are legal proceedings. The workers' compensation insurer handles these matters routinely, and you can get the same benefit by working with a workers' comp lawyer.
Now that you know what mistakes to avoid, you need to know what you can do to protect your workers' comp benefits.
It Is NOT a Mistake to Call a Workers' Compensation Attorney
Keefe Disability Law is here to help you any time. Our experienced workers' compensation lawyers will advise you every step of the way beginning on the day that you are hurt at work and continuing until your claim is over. When you hire Keefe Disability Law to represent you, you won't have to guess whether a particular action is a mistake. Instead, you will have trustworthy and honest legal advice that you can count on to protect you.
If you have been hurt at work in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or New Hampshire, then we encourage you to reach out to us right away to find out how we may be able to help you. We can handle the stress of a workers' comp claim for you so that you can concentrate on your physical recovery. Call us today to learn more.
Are You Looking for a Workers' Compensation Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you are looking to file for workers' compensation, you need to speak with an experienced workers' compensation lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.
|
Related Links: |
