Work injuries are inevitable whether you work in an office, construction site, or hospital. The good news is that you can file a worker’s compensation claim after getting injured at work to collect the benefits.
However, most people do not prepare for workplace injury, which is understandable but can lead to mistakes that can fail to collect worker’s comp benefits.
Let’s discuss the top four mistakes you should avoid after getting injured at work, and where you can go for outstanding treatment in Grand Junction, CO.
#1 Not Reporting Your Injury to Your Employer
The most common mistake is not reporting your injury immediately to your employer. If you’ve sustained a workplace injury and are located in the state of Colorado, you’re required to report your injury, whether major or minor, to your employer in writing within four days of your injury.
Failure to report your injury to your employer within four days can forever bar you from receiving worker’s comp benefits.
#2 Delaying Medical Treatment or Not Following Your Doctor’s Advice
Even if your injury is minor, get medical care immediately so you can get an accurate diagnosis. When you report your injury to your employer, they may direct you to an on-site doctor or recommended doctor.
Moreover, you should also follow your doctor’s treatment plan or advice. You must not brush off your doctor’s order when you just feel a bit better, as this will give the insurance company an opportunity to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you’re making them out to be.
#3 Failure to Provide Accurate Details After Getting Injured at Work
In order to prove you were injured at work, and get the greatest benefits of your worker’s comp, you need to provide accurate details of your injury to your doctor. Do not understate or exaggerate your injury, as the insurance company will investigate your claim and will have access to your medical records. They will also compare your statement about your injury to those of the witnesses and your physicians.
Submitting false information can lead to your worker’s comp claim being denied.
#4 Not Independently Calculating Your Worker’s Comp Benefits
It’s a good idea to know what kind of benefits you’re eligible to receive and how much you’re entitled to recover after a workplace injury on your own. Do not completely rely on your employer’s insurance company for this task.
You can also get help from a worker’s comp lawyer or other experts as they can help you decide whether to pursue a settlement or negotiate with the insurance company.
Worker’s Comp Services in Grand Junction, CO
At WorkPartners Occupational Health, we not only provide injured workers with comprehensive care but also assist them with the claim process so that they fully take advantage of their worker’s comp. Our providers have helped scores of injured workers successfully get back to earning a stable living.
If you would like to make an appointment with us, call us today at (970) 241-5585 or use our convenient appointment request form.
