Workers’ compensation is intended to ensure that injured or disabled workers receive the benefits they are entitled to when their work causes their injury or hardship. However, employers and their insurance companies don’t always act in the best interest of the workers. That’s why it’s crucial to be vigilant and aware of the common mistakes workers make when filing workers’ comp claims.
In this article, we will delve into the major mistakes you should avoid when you hire a work injury lawyer for workers’ comp claims.
Top Mistakes You Must Avoid When Hiring a Work Injury Lawyer for Workers Comp Claims.
Let’s delve into the top 5 mistakes you must avoid when hiring a work injury lawyer for worker comp claims.
- Not Seeking Medical Care: Make sure to see a doctor right away if you are hurt on the job. Ask for copies of your medical reports and treatment plans, as you will need them when filing for benefits.
- Fail to Report Accident: It is crucial to report your injury at work claim to your employer as the first step in a workers’ compensation claim. If your employer has specific policies for reporting and responding to worksite accidents, be sure to adhere to them. In the absence of such policies, ensure that everyone is made aware of your injury: your supervisor, the human resources department, co-workers, and any company medical or health care providers.
- Settlement for Improper Disability Rating: After a doctor determines that an injured worker has recovered as much as possible, the worker is given a permanent partial disability rating. This rating is used to calculate the final workers’ compensation settlement. The worker should not accept the rating unless they have returned to work at the same pay level as before their accident, which encompasses any injury on the job.
- Returning to Work Early: It is common for injured workers to feel pressured to return to work earlier than they should, sometimes even before the treating physician recommends. This pressure may come from the employer or internal concerns about finances and bills during the time off. Regardless of the source of the pressure, it is important to avoid returning to work before being released by the doctor for either full or modified duty. Returning prematurely could result in your claim being denied. If financial concerns are an issue, there are financial solutions available while waiting for workers’ compensation that can help bridge the gap.
- Not Understanding Your Rights: It’s crucial to understand your rights under Nevada law when going through the process of making a worker’s compensation claim. For instance, some people mistakenly believe that they have to see a doctor chosen by their employer for medical care. However, within the first 90 days after getting hurt at work, you have the right to choose your doctor when you are injured and unable to work. Another common misconception is that if you had a pre-existing condition that was worsened due to a work-related accident, you may not be eligible for worker’s compensation. This is not necessarily true. An experienced work injury lawyer can provide valuable insight into these situations, potentially helping to avoid a denied claim. It’s advisable to seek legal guidance early in the process to maximize the chances of a successful claim.
Wrapping Up
If your workplace lawsuits are denied, the process can become more complicated and may require the assistance of an experienced work injury lawyer to resolve in your favor. The best lawyer for work injury will act as an experienced advocate for you during this process and could prove to be an invaluable tool in identifying the mistakes to avoid when filing a workers’ compensation claim, ensuring you get the result you deserve.
At Gaylord & Nantais Attorneys at Law, we have a team of an experienced team of work injury lawyers who have handled a wide range of worker’s comp cases. Our work injury lawyers have a proven track record of success in handling cases. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with our work injury lawyers at (562) 561-2669.
