When you’re injured at work, it’s crucial to seek proper compensation to cover medical expenses and lost wages. But, filing a workers’ compensation claim isn’t always straightforward. Unfortunately, insurance companies are often involved, and they seek to limit compensation, or worse, deny your claim altogether. To avoid this, you should know what to avoid. In this blog, I’ll explain the three things you must avoid when filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Working Despite Your Injury
The first mistake people make is working despite their injury. When you file a claim, the insurance company will watch everything you do. So, if they see you performing activities that your injury should prohibit, they may argue that you aren’t genuinely injured. For instance, if you experienced a lower back injury and are photographed carrying groceries, the insurance company may argue that you aren’t genuinely injured. To avoid this, follow your doctor’s orders and avoid any activities that could exacerbate your injury.
Failing a Drug Test
Many workplaces require drug testing after an injury. If you test positive for illegal or illicit substances, such as marijuana or alcohol, your claim could be denied. Even if the injury wasn’t a result of drug use, and the substance remains in your body, the insurance company may argue that the substance impaired your ability to work safely. Therefore, it’s crucial to avoid illegal substances after a job-related injury.
Failing to Notify Your Employer Immediately
Suppose you’re injured at work, but you fail to notify your employer immediately. In that case, the insurance company may argue that your injury happened outside of work, or it didn’t occur at all. So if you’re injured, report the incident to your employer as soon as possible. If possible, write down the exact details of the incident, including the time, location, and witnesses.
Facing a work-related injury is an unfortunate situation. Still, knowing what mistakes to avoid when filing a workers’ compensation claim can help you receive the compensation you deserve. To summarize the three mistakes to avoid, don’t work despite your injury, avoid illegal substances after an injury, and report the injury to your employer immediately. If you’re struggling to file a workers’ compensation claim, seek the help of a reliable and experienced attorney.
Contact Us for Help Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Have you recently been injured while working off-site for your employer? Are there problems with your claim or benefits? If you need help pursuing a Workers’ Compensation claim, call us today at (918) 582-2500 or complete the contact form online to request a free consultation.