Workmans compensation insurance is big business in this country, and like all big businesses, this industry doesn't play to lose. Many people find themselves assuming that workers comp is an automatic process that results in receiving a regular check until you are able to resume their job duties. However, the insurance companies work hard to deny as many claims as possible. Fortunately, strategies exist that can help you get the courts on your side when it comes down to the final decision on your workers comp case. You can increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome in your workers comp case by taking the following five initial steps.
Ensure That Your Injury is Insured
In order to be considered eligible for workers comp payments, your injury must be on-the-job related, You won't qualify if you are injured while driving to work, for instance, but if you travel as a part of your daily job duties, chances are you'll be covered. Also, you may be eligible if you become hurt while playing on a sports team that your employer sponsors, and stress related conditions are increasingly being covered under the workers comp umbrella.
Inform Your Employer
You must inform your employer as soon as possible after the injury has occurred, and you will have to fill out an accident report with your company's Human Resources department. Be sure to fill out the report as thoroughly as possible. Most people wait to fill the report out until they return from seeing their doctor, but be sure that you or someone you trust informs your employer of the accident before you leave the premises to seek medical treatment.
Inform Your Union
If you belong to a union, let your union representative know about the situation as soon as possible. Unions can be a great ally when it comes to workers comp cases, particularly if your employer is showing signs of resisting your claim.
Document Everything
As your doctor for a copy of the medical report and make copies of any bills that you receive. Take photographs of the injury if possible, and keep a small journal for any information that may be pertinent, such as discussions with your employer concerning the incident. Sometimes it's the small details that end up winning cases, so when in doubt, write it down.
File Your Claim Promptly
Waiting to file a claim could possibly weaken your case in the eyes of the courts, so file as soon as you can. You can do this with the help of a workers compensation attorney.
Share15 June 2017
