Workers’ compensation is designed to pay employees while they are unable to work and cover their work-related injury medical expenses. However, the system does not always work as intended. Insurance companies want to pay as little as possible on workers’ compensation claims, and that sometimes means that employees do not get the medical care they need or the lost wages they deserve.
You should get lost wage benefits while you continue to heal as your doctor instructs. If you are supposed to go back to work, and you do not feel ready to return to full duty, speak with a Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney to determine your options. You can also use the following suggestions to increase your chances of getting paid everything you deserve from your workers’ compensation claim.
Report Your Injuries Right Away
Reporting your accident right away can help you avoid any potential problems with providing your employer notice or getting your claim started. The sooner you report your accident or injury, the sooner you can get medical attention and indemnity payments for any time you have to take off work.
Get Medical Treatment if You Need It
Some workers will try to “work through” their injury or assume that they are not “that hurt.” This type of thinking can harm your workers’ compensation case. Do not wait to get medical attention, especially if you are seriously injured. If it is not an emergency, make an appointment to see a doctor right away or tell your employer that you want an appointment as soon as possible. If you wait to get medical attention, the insurance company may assume that you are not as hurt as you claim.
Fill Out Accident Reports Accurate and Fully
Some employers will require that you fill out a form to report your accident. You should be sure to detail your accident with as much information as you can recall. Accuracy is important. Mistakes can delay your claim and can actually result in a denial of medical payments or lost wages payments in some situations.
Sign an Authorization to Request Medical Records
Your employer will likely ask you to sign an authorization to collect your medical records. This is a standard request that allows the insurance company to do an investigation regarding your claim. The insurer is legally authorized to see these files, and delaying this type of inquiry can also delay your request.
Attending Your Medical Appointments
You should go to all of your medical appointments, and follow the doctors’ orders. Failing to do these things can signal to the insurance company that you are not as hurt as you are claiming or that you are not serious about fully recovering. The insurance company may be able to terminate your benefits if you do not take full advantage of your medical treatment.
Talk to an Attorney
The entire workers’ compensation process can be intimidating and confusing, contact Jim Glaser Law today at 781-689-2277 or fill out our online form to request a free case evaluation.
