Every single day that passes there is a hardworking individual dedicating their time, talent and skill to work. Depending on the level of hazard or harm, there’s likely a chance that this hardworking individual could experience an accident on the job leading to a workers’ compensation claim. Jobs can be dangerous and there are definitely some that are much more dangerous than others. Whether you are directing traffic at a busy intersection, responding to an emergency or just slipped and injured yourself at work, injuries do happen and there’s no way to completely avoid workers’ compensation claims.
Injuries that you suffer can be long lasting and cause more health complications down the road. If you were injured in a workplace accident, then you deserve the benefits and compensation that are owed to you. However, many people make mistakes when it comes to workers’ compensation claims. The workers’ compensation lawyers at Hollington Brown in Augusta provide mistakes that can ruin your workers’ compensation claim below. Being mindful and having general knowledge over the appropriate steps in action regarding your workers’ comp claim will help you receive the fair compensation that you deserve.
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Failing to act immediately after the accident
At the time of an accident or injury a worker may be embarrassed, dazed or disoriented. They may not be thinking as clearly as they normally would, even if they have no outward appearance of injuries.
Certain things should be done at the time of the accident including remaining calm. If other workers’ witness an employee getting injured, they most likely will offer aid and assistance to the worker and will have their own version of events. However, your version of the events leading up to and after the accident will be vital to your case.
As soon as possible you should document everything you can remember about your accident including, what you were doing prior to the accident occurring, at the moment of the accident and immediately after the accident. Details you may think are insignificant can prove to be critical to your workers’ compensation claim at a later date. The more time that passes after an accident, the more details will be forgotten.
A record should be kept of all injuries and any pain or symptoms you may be having as a result of your injuries. A good method to accomplish this is to purchase a separate calendar to keep track of your doctor’s visits and symptoms.
Finally, make sure to keep copies of everything, including all costs associated with the injury. Those costs may include loss of wages, travel to and from doctors’ appointments, special services or necessary after care. Also, get copies of all of your doctor’s records, x-ray, MRI or CT results and lab reports every time you have an appointment. This is one of the most important and vital steps because it will save time, energy and expenses.
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Failing to provide all details of the accident to your doctor
It is important to tell your doctor everything you can about the details of your injuries from this workplace accident and any prior injuries or pre-existing conditions. Be honest with your doctor about all of your symptoms, including changing and evolving symptoms. If you are feeling better, let your doctor know. It is imperative that you do not embellish your injuries.
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Falsifying injuries & symptoms
Sometimes people feel the need to embellish their symptoms or fabricate additional injuries in an effort to strengthen their workers’ compensation claim. Unknowingly to you, doctors will generally perform several tests during your examination to determine if you are exaggerating your injuries. While this might be tempting, it can also be the end of your workers’ compensation case. If a doctor believes you are embellishing your symptoms to bolster your claim, they will note the term “malingerer” (which means faking or exaggerating injuries) in your medical records and that can destroy your case. This is a bad idea as it can actually devalue your workers’ compensation claim or dismiss the case altogether.
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Failure to follow doctor’s orders/treatment plan
Another way your workers’ compensation claim can be diminished or denied is by not following your doctor’s treatment plan or advice. If your doctor orders follow-up tests or physical therapy, it is important that you follow up on everything, even if you are feeling better. Don’t brush off your doctor’s orders when you feel just a bit better. Usually when individuals who suffered an injury on the job feel better, they wrongfully assume they can discontinue care. However, if your injuries could be treated this way you wouldn’t need to file a workers’ compensation claim. Symptoms often diminish during treatment but can rapidly return, or even worsen, if treatment is discontinued. Failing to follow your doctor’s advice is the easiest way for the insurance company to argue that your injuries are not as serious as you are making them out to be.
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Getting caught performing acts beyond your doctor’s restrictions
This is the greatest mistake an injured worker can make when it comes to their workers’ compensation claim. It is extremely tempting to do things for one’s self, however, it is the one time when you do venture down the driveway to get that heavy package out of the mailbox, or carry in the bag of groceries, when you are caught in the act by an insurance adjuster who had sent out a private investigator for the sole purpose of discrediting the injured worker.
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Not hiring the right workers’ compensation lawyer
No matter how nice an insurance adjuster appears to be, do not believe he has your best interests in mind. Decisions regarding your workers’ compensation benefits should be made with all the facts considered and only after all of your treatment is completed or a treatment plan has been outlined going forward. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer, like the attorneys at Hollington Brown in Augusta, will be able to discuss these facts, pointing out anything that you may not have even considered. The workers’ compensation attorneys at Hollington Brown will evaluate any proposed settlement objectively and make any appropriate recommendations before you sign or agree to anything. Even if you are still not satisfied, our workers’ compensation lawyers will fight for the compensation you deserve.
Perhaps the most critical factor to receiving a favorable settlement outcome for your work-place injuries is the attorney you select to represent you. Luckily for you, you’re already in the place to contact the workers’ compensation lawyers at Hollington Brown in Augusta. For the best possible outcome in your workers’ compensation case, you should consider hiring a workers’ compensation attorney who specializes and focuses on receiving the compensation their clients deserve. The experienced workers’ compensation lawyers at Hollington Brown in Augusta have a proven record of success in various types of work-place injury claims and will fight for the benefits you deserve from your workplace injury.
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Being dishonest with your workers’ compensation lawyer
It is imperative that you disclose everything that could be relevant to your case with your attorney. This includes prior injuries, current medical conditions, any doctor’s care you are under, prior legal issues, financial issues, alcohol or chemical use, employment history or anything your employer’s insurance company can use to discredit you. It is important to remember your workers’ compensation attorney is fighting for you and can’t defend something they are unaware of. It is also important that you do not talk about your case to anyone other than your workers’ compensation lawyer while your case is pending.
Hiring the right workers’ compensation lawyer
If you were injured in a workplace accident and are in need of talking to an experienced and trustworthy workers’ compensation lawyer, contact the attorneys at Hollington Brown in Augusta. The workers’ compensation lawyers at Hollington Brown will help protect you and fight for your rights and benefits in your workers’ compensation case.
