By law, most employees in Oklahoma are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits for work-related injuries. But this does not mean that it’s easy for workers to obtain the benefits they deserve. Many insurance companies will look for any opportunity to lower the value of a workers’ compensation claim or deny it altogether. Don’t let this happen to you. If you’ve suffered a work-related injury, it’s important to know what to do to ensure you are fully compensated. Follow these tips:
Report Your Injuries Right Away
You must report your injury to your employer within 30 days or you could lose your right to obtain workers’ compensation benefits. But even though you have 30 days, it’s best to notify your employer as soon as possible. The insurance company that reviews your claim may question the severity of your injuries or how they were sustained if you wait until the last minute to notify your employer. This skepticism could make it harder to obtain 100% of the benefits you deserve. To avoid this problem, let your employer know about your injuries right away.
There’s another benefit to notifying your employer immediately. The sooner you report your injury, the sooner you can initiate the process of filing a claim for benefits.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
Your physician may make a number of recommendations regarding your treatment. If you want to maximize your workers’ compensation benefits, make sure you follow your doctor’s orders.
Failing to follow your doctor’s orders could affect your right to workers’ compensation benefits. For example, if you miss two or more scheduled appointments with your doctor, you may no longer be eligible for benefits. Refusing to undergo surgery that has been recommended by at least two doctors can also affect your benefits. If you refuse this treatment, the Workers’ Compensation Commission will take this into consideration when deciding how much compensation you should receive for your injuries.
Seek Legal Representation
Hiring an attorney can increase your chances of securing the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve. An experienced attorney will know how to deal with the insurance company and overcome the obstacles that may arise in a workers’ compensation claim. If you want to obtain every dollar of compensation you deserve, it’s in your best interest to seek legal representation immediately after suffering an on-the-job injury.
Don’t try to handle your workers’ compensation claim without the team at Armstrong & Vaught, P.L.C. by your side. Let our experienced attorneys aggressively fight to secure the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve. Call us at (918) 582-2500 or toll-free at (800) 722-8880 or complete the simple form below for a free consultation with a skilled attorney.