Workers' Comp And The Issues To Watch Out For
Job-related injuries are painful, and in many cases, surprising. You might not have expected to be hurt, and now that you're dealing with recovery at the same time you're trying to juggle your bills, the experience could be overwhelming. On top of life challenges, having to find out about workers' compensation insurance could seem like too much. Mistakes like the following could arise.
1. Missing Deadlines
Distracted by financial challenges and injuries, you might not start the paperwork for your workers' comp claims right away. In fact, days might pass without you even noticing when the paperwork is due or when deadlines are. However, missing deadlines is certainly a serious mistake; even if your claim is valid, skipping deadlines could ruin things. Ensure you know—through your employee manual or through contacting your human resources department—when your paperwork must be delivered.
2. Discussing the Situation Too Much
Talking about your experience might not seem serious, and surely coworkers will be curious about what happened since they want to avoid workplace injuries for themselves. However, be mindful that insurance company investigators could talk to your coworkers. If you relay information that's exaggerated or self-incriminating, that could be harmful to your claim.
3. Not Seeing Doctors
Seeing doctors after workplace accidents or injuries is to be expected. In fact, you might feel like most of your time is taken up by visiting different healthcare practitioners. For that reason, you might be eager to avoid the company's preferred doctor. Realize that your company and insurance likely require an independent medical exam that is handled by the physician they've named; you'll only delay or sabotage your workers' comp application if you skip it.
4. Disregarding Investigators in Your Personal Life
Insurance investigators could speak with anyone coming into regular contact with you. Their goal is to follow up on your claims and to figure out whether you're truthful. Therefore, not only could they discuss the situation with coworkers, but they may also show up at a neighbor's doorstep or the neighborhood park. If your physical abilities aren't aligned with your claimed injuries or you're clearly doing better than you said, they'll attempt to reveal that.
5. Delaying the Hire of a Lawyer
Retaining a lawyer could seem like something to do after you've submitted your insurance claim application. However, to start off well, it could be wise to get a law professional's assistance as you fill out and assemble your claim. Your claim is likely to be easier to process and subsequently approve.
For more information about workers' comp insurance in your life, reach out to an insurance agency.