A lawyer could also help you identify other parties responsible for the accident, allowing you to claim all your economic losses and compensation for non-financial losses.
If you were hurt at work, you might deserve payment. You could file for workers’ compensation or a personal injury claim. Last year, private companies reported 2.8 million deadly workplace accidents, not counting public sector incidents.
Being aware of typical errors following a workplace injury can prevent you from making these crucial mistakes.
- Not Seeking Prompt Medical Care
Reporting your injury promptly is not sufficient. You must also seek medical attention. You might believe you can care for it yourself, but that is not the case if you want proper compensation. Timely medical reporting is an essential aspect of fully reporting a workplace injury. By seeking prompt medical care, you prioritize your health and well-being, which is crucial in the aftermath of a workplace injury.
“Getting timely medical records is strong proof of an injury. If you delay getting these records, people may suspect fraud,” said Ryan Zehl from Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers. “If an injury you thought was small becomes more serious later, you have a bigger problem. Delaying treatment can cause expensive problems that you can’t get compensated for.”
- Not Reporting The Injury Promptly
It’s crucial to report your work injury as soon as possible. While you have up to 30 days to file a written report, it’s highly recommended to do so promptly. Reporting the injury verbally without delay is also essential. Doing so demonstrates your responsibility and proactive approach to the situation.
There are various reasons why reporting a situation may be delayed. However, the longer you wait to report, the easier it may be for the other party to deny or downplay your claim.
Additionally, Justin Watkins from Battle Born Injury Lawyers said that insurance adjusters may question the severity of an accident that isn’t reported immediately. Timely reporting is also essential for conducting thorough investigations into workplace safety for everyone’s benefit.
- Failing to Reduce the Harm Caused By the Situation
It is essential to minimize any potential harm. That means the insurance company does not have to compensate you for any avoidable losses resulting from your failure to take reasonable care. For instance, not following your doctor’s advice is considered a failure to minimize your damages. Not minimizing your damages may lead to a reduction in the compensation you are entitled to receive.
- Malingering
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The term “malingering” means faking or making your injuries seem worse than they are. It is crucial not to fabricate or overstate your injuries for any reason. If you do, the person you’re accusing or the insurance company might say you’re a cheater or a trickster, even if you’re not.
For instance, when your doctor requests you to assess your pain on a scale of one to 10, refrain from claiming it’s a “10” if that’s inaccurate. Faking an illness not only puts you at risk of being refused benefits ultimately, it’s simply not worth it. Feigning an illness will only deprive you of the compensation necessary for your injuries.
- Declining to Get Back to Work As Soon As You Can
You should return to work once you can. If you cannot perform your duties, you may be asked to perform lighter duties. If you need more time off work, ask your employer rather than suggest it yourself. If you refuse to return to work when you can, you may lose out on further compensation and benefits.
Conclusion
Remember that a lawyer can be a powerful ally if you’ve been hurt in an accident. They can help you navigate the complexities of the workers’ compensation system, which may not cover all your financial losses. A lawyer could also help you identify other parties responsible for the accident, allowing you to claim all your economic losses and compensation for non-financial losses.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, consider scheduling a complimentary meeting with a law firm like Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum.
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