After you’ve been injured on the job, there are ways to ensure that your case is handled properly. However, claimants often make mistakes that can jeopardize their workers’ compensation case. First and foremost, it’s important to get help from a Georgia workers’ compensation attorney to make sure you get the maximum benefits allowed under the law.
Any Georgia employer with more than 3 employees is obligated to carry insurance so that if an employee is injured on the job they can file a claim and get help in the form of income assistance, medical treatment, and physical therapy. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
Incomplete or Improper Reporting of the Injury
If you are injured at work in Georgia, the state offers advice on how to file your claim. It’s critical to report the injury as soon as it happens. When filling out the reporting form, give as many specific details [date, time, location] as possible. The more detailed the report, the better, while the details are fresh in your mind. A report that lacks details may mean a delay in processing your claim and getting you your benefits.
Here’s an example. You are working on a construction site and fall over debris not properly cleaned up. You hurt your knee. You could say “I fell and hurt my knee last Friday.”
On the other hand, you could say, “On Friday, March 1st, at approximately 10:30 a.m., I was walking in front of the garage door and tripped over a pile of gravel that had not been cleared away. I immediately felt a jolt of pain in my left knee as I fell forward, and my knee hit the concrete.” Which do you think sounds better?
Failing to Follow Medical Advice
The workers’ compensation insurance carrier should cover your medical care, but it will only help you if you:
- Go to all your scheduled medical and therapy appointments
- Follow the advice of the doctor or therapist
Doctors and therapists keep detailed records of patient visits and the insurance company will see those records. If you skip appointments and don’t reschedule, don’t take your medication, or don’t go to your physical therapy appointments you may be labeled as uncooperative or non-compliant with treatment. That designation may be used against you by your employer’s insurance carrier. Your claim can be delayed in processing or denied altogether by those serious errors.
Additional Pitfalls to Avoid for Maximum Workers’ Comp Benefits
Beyond the previously mentioned errors, other critical mistakes could limit your ability to secure full benefits:
- Failing to disclose pre-existing conditions or previous injuries, thereby harming your credibility
- Rushing back to work prematurely, risking further injury or delaying recovery
Understanding the implications of these actions is crucial, as they can not only jeopardize your claim but also affect your long-term health and financial security. It’s vital to proceed with caution and informed guidance.
Ensure Your Rights Are Protected
Navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation claims can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Avoiding common mistakes can significantly impact the success of your claim and your financial well-being during recovery. The team at Parsons Law Group is here to guide you through every step, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a consultation today.