Tips to Increase Your Odds of Success When You're Seeking Workers' Compensation
Workers' compensation laws exist to ensure that every worker is duly compensated for any work-related injury or injuries. Sadly, many injured employees usually end up disgruntled because they are not able to receive any compensation for their injuries. In most cases, they tend to feel that their employers have connived with the justice system to deny them rightfully deserved compensation. But this is not often the case. The law exists to serve all equally and justly, and if anyone is denied compensation, it is usually because they are not able to argue out their case well before a judge. Here are some important tips to follow, should you find yourself seeking compensation for a work-related injury.
Report the injury to your employer in good time
If you suffer from a workplace injury that prevents you from earning your daily bread, it is mandatory that you inform your employer about it immediately. Usually, you will need to report the injury to your employer within a specified number of days after the accident has taken place. If you fail to notify your employer of the injury in good time, they can use it as grounds to deny you the right to claim compensation for any medical costs and/ lost wages you deserve. Provide your employer with a duly signed, written notification within the stipulated time frame and keep a copy of the notification with you.
Seek medical attention immediately
Workers' compensation benefits for a workplace injury will be based on the findings of medical examinations as well as any other reports regarding the accident. If any matter is up for dispute, the opinion of the medical practitioner will be vital, as they are considered impartial. Therefore, make sure you see your doctor immediately after the accident has occurred and let them know exactly what happened. Your employer may provide you with "their" doctor, but it is a good idea to see your own doctor for a second opinion.
No matter how minor you think your injury is, it is important to have a qualified doctor or physician examine you. If you opt to buy some pain relievers over-the-counter and later on learn that the injuries you suffered were much severer, you might not have the medical records to prove your case.
Hire an experienced compensation lawyer
When it comes to arguing out your case before a judge, you have two options: to represent yourself or hire a lawyer. Your employer, the insurer and the employer-selected doctor may already be well-acquainted with the legal process involving compensation cases, whereas you may be grey in that area. To balance the scales in your favour, it would be a great idea to hire a good compensation lawyer.