If you have been injured in a work accident, you must know common pitfalls that could jeopardize your workers’ compensation benefits claim. New Jersey law requires that employers carry workers’ compensation insurance to provide benefits to employees who suffer an injury on the job. Knowing what NOT to do after a work injury can help secure your claim for benefits.
Waiting to Seek Medical Attention
Many workers think they can wait to seek medical care, maybe until the day is over or when they have time to see a doctor. However, insurance companies interpret this as a sign that your work injury is insignificant and may deny your claim.
Seek medical care as soon as possible for any work injury and report all of your symptoms thoroughly. Being stoic and downplaying pain and discomfort to the doctor can backfire when trying to get the maximum benefits for any medical conditions related to your work injury.
Waiting to Report Your Injury
There is a deadline for reporting a work injury, and failure to adhere to the deadline can invalidate your claim for benefits. In New Jersey, you have 90 days to report your work injury to your employer, but it is in your best interest to do so immediately.
Let your supervisor know the basic details of what happened, such as the accident’s location, time, and date. While it does not have to be in writing, sending a notification of your work injury via email or a letter creates a paper trail that could be helpful.
Not Keeping a Good Record
Keeping good records of everything related to your work accident and injury is essential. If the insurance denies your claim for benefits, you need to be able to document everything that happened and all of your out-of-pocket expenses.
Take photos of the accident scene and any injuries you sustained. Write down your detailed account of what happened before, during, and after the accident. Start a folder to file away correspondence, bills, and receipts for medications.
Canceling Appointments for Treatment
If you saw a medical professional for your work injury but failed to show up for follow-up care or therapy, you are jeopardizing all of your benefits. The insurance company will see little reason to pay for treatment you are not using and assume you are well enough to return to work.
Not Consulting a Lawyer
Many people are intimidated by lawyers or think they cannot afford one. Still, if you are in a situation where you do not understand the papers you are being asked to sign or your claim has been denied, and you do not know why, it is time to get some legal help.
Many lawyers do not ask for money upfront and provide free consultations. Insurance companies employ teams of lawyers whose sole job is to reduce the cost of claims being paid. You should not sign a statement or settlement unless you have reviewed it with a lawyer and understand what you are signing.
Monmouth County Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams Advocate for Workers’ Rights
If you have been injured on the job and need help with your claim, a Workers’ Compensation lawyer at the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams is here for you. Call 732-351-2800 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Our offices are located in Tinton Falls and New Brunswick, New Jersey and we serve not only clients in Monmouth and Middlesex County, but throughout the state.
