Worker’s compensation provides crucial benefits that serve as a safety net for those who are diagnosed with a work-related illness or injury. These payments offer financial support for lost wages, medical expenses, and other payments that help you stay afloat and transition back to work. However, there are complications and pitfalls that can hold up your claim and make it difficult to access the funds you are entitled to.
By working with a seasoned workers’ compensation lawyer, you can obtain all the payments you deserve by law, while exploring other possible options for payment, like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). In today’s article, we will discuss the most common mistakes to avoid when applying for WC benefits as a California employee. If you have any questions or concerns about a work injury or accident claim, don’t hesitate to contact the offices of California Labor Law Employment Attorneys Group.
5 Errors You Should Avoid When Filing for Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is a state funded program that’s meant to provide workers with benefits if they are injured on the job or diagnosed with an illness as a result of their job duties (carpel tunnel syndrome, exposure to toxic chemicals, etc.) Though it’s mainly known as a source of medical expenses and wage replacement, there are other forms of employment protection you can receive through the worker’s compensation system.
Workers must be aware of common errors that can cause their claim to be rejected. Or, they may end up with reduced benefits that make it harder for them to recover their health and keep up with daily living expenses. So, let’s take a look at 5 of the most common mistakes people make when filing a workers’ compensation claim in California.
1. Waiting to report your injury.
Please make sure to notify your employer immediately if you were hurt on the job or find out about an injury / illness that resulted from your work duties. Under California law, you have 30 days to report a work-related injury to your employer, but we urge you to do this as soon as you are able. This is essential to ensuring that your claim is approved and you can start to receive payments in a timely manner
2. Not following company policies and procedures.
Always keep in mind that each company has policies on how to report and file a claim for workers’ compensation. This includes who you should go to in the event of an injury and how to submit the required documentation. Failure to adhere to your company’s procedures can cause delays or even a rejection of your claim for a workplace injury.
3. Exaggerating or excluding details about your injury.
Being accurate and truthful about your condition is a crucial aspect of your right to compensation. Failing to include vital information or exaggerating symptoms and complications will undermine your credibility and raise objections from the insurance company. Holding up your claim or having it rejected is the last thing you want when you are out of work for any amount of time. Make sure to provide a complete and truthful account of the accident and the harm you suffered when filing a workers’ comp claim.
4. Not seeking medical attention as needed.
Just like telling your employer about an accident at work, seeking medical care right away is essential to a successful claim for workers’ comp. This is not only important for your physical and mental health, but also for the sake of documentation and evidence to support the fact that you are entitled to WC benefits.
Aside from seeking treatment after an accident, you should also follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend all appointments for checkups and treatments. If you notice any changes in your condition, like new symptoms, make sure to notify your physician right away.
5. Going back to work too soon after the accident.
Returning to your job before you are fully recovered may have serious consequences on your worker’s comp claim, not to mention your health. You should always prioritize your health over anything else, so please follow your doctor’s advice and take the necessary time to heal from your injury. Resuming work too early can easily worsen your injury and add to the amount of time you need for recovery. It can also put you at risk of reduced WC benefits or having your claim denied altogether.
Legal Advice from a California Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Our law firm is comprised of employment lawyers with decades of experience in workers’ compensation claims. We are ready to help you with any issues related to your claim and secure the compensation you deserve if you are suffering from a work-related injury or illness.
As part of our commitment to representing your interests, we have a Zero Fee Guarantee that allows you to hire a workplace injury attorney for $0 upfront. Our payment is only recovered once we obtain your settlement from a successful workers’ comp claim. If we do not bring about a favorable resolution to your case, you won’t be asked to cover a single penny in legal fees.
Don’t wait to assert your rights as an injured worker. Contact our law firm today and schedule a free case review.
