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Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Workers Comp Claim

Posted by: at 3:09 PM on February 1st, 2021

If you have sustained an injury or illness at work, filing a workers’ compensation claim may provide compensation for your medical bills and lost wages. Unfortunately, the claims process can be complicated and confusing, which is why workers often make mistakes along the way. These common mistakes can lead to your claim being denied or result in you receiving less compensation than you deserve.

Failing to Report the Injury
If you suffer an injury at work, you should report it to your employer right away and make sure to do so in writing. This helps to show this is a serious situation. If you wait to report the injury, you are more likely to have problems recovering benefits. Your employer may doubt that the injury occurred at work or downplay the severity of your injury and offer you less compensation than you deserve. You could also increase the risk that your claim will be denied.

Not Seeking Treatment
Failing to seek medical treatment for your workplace injury or illness as well as failing to follow doctor’s orders for treatment can put you at risk of having your workers’ compensation claim denied.  The purpose of workers’ compensation benefits is to help injured workers pay for their medical treatment and make up for lost income when they are unable to work. If you do not seek medical care, it may raise red flags.


Failing to Keep Accurate Records
If you have suffered a workplace injury or illness, it is critical to your claim that you keep accurate and detailed records. Record the time you missed from work due to your condition as well as any and all expenses for your medical treatment. These records will help ensure you get paid the compensation you are entitled to.

Handling Your Claim Alone
The law does not require injured workers to pursue workers’ compensation with the help of an attorney. However, going through the process alone might be a bad idea. Working with a trusted attorney can help you avoid the mistakes above that could lead to your claim being denied.

With over 45 years of experience, the attorneys at Lebell, Dobroski & Morgan understand the legal complexities of the worker's comp process and what it takes to be successful.  Call the Lebell, Dobroski & Morgan offices today for a free, no obligation review of your case.