Injured On The Job? 4 Steps To Take To Protect Your Workers' Compensation Benefits

If you've been injured on the job, you should know that insurance companies don't like it when they have to pay out on a workers' compensation case. They're going to do everything in their power to keep your benefits to a minimum or to deny your claim altogether. That means you have to do everything you can to avoid costly mistakes. If you've been injured at work, here are four important steps you can take to protect your rights to receive your workers' compensation benefits.

File a Report Immediately

Filing a report is one of the first things you should do following a work-related injury. Depending on the state where you live, you may have 30 days or fewer to file an accident report with your employer. Failure to report the accident within the allotted time may result in your claim being denied. To protect yourself, and your rights to receive workers' compensation, you should file your report as soon as you're able to do so. It's important to note that if your injuries require hospitalization, you can file your report as soon as you're able to leave the hospital.

Gather Witnesses

If there were witnesses to the incident, you need to gather their information as soon as possible. Witnesses can help strengthen your case, especially if your employer is trying to deny that the accident occurred, or the insurance company is trying to mitigate damages by claiming the accident didn't occur the way you've explained it.

Write Everything Down

It can be difficult to remember important details, especially as time passes. After your accident, take the time to write down everything you can remember about the incident. This should include the time it occurred, where it occurred, and what you were doing when the accident happened. You should also include any other information you can remember about the incident, including any statements your employer or other employees might have made regarding the accident. The notes will help you maintain consistency when you need to repeat the information to insurance agents, medical staff, or any attorneys you may speak to.

Hire an Attorney

If you've been injured on the job, you're going to need legal representation. Your employer and the insurance company will have legal representation, so should you. Your attorney will make sure that you receive all the compensation and benefits you're entitled to, including vocational training should you be unable to return to your previous line of work.

Work-related injuries can leave you out of work and in pain. If you've been injured in a work-related accident, follow the tips provided above to make sure your benefits are protected. 

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