Don't Fall Victim to these Common Workers' Comp Mistakes

Most of the time, the things that happen to us are in our control. But what happens when something happens that was out of your control? What if you are injured at work? Should you silently suffer because you are ashamed? Or pay out of pocket for medical expenses you can’t afford?

These are just a few common mistakes that hardworking citizens generally make when injured on the job. Most people feel good about working–it’s their livelihood– and some even feel ashamed when they are hurt on the job. However, an injury that happens at work may not be your fault and you may be entitled to compensation.

Here are just a few solutions to some of the most commonly made mistakes when it comes to workers’ comp injuries:

Even if you are embarrassed or ashamed of your injury, do not delay reporting it. Employers deal with these kinds of things all the time. Don’t delay reporting an injury or letting your employer know that you need medical attention. Some injuries can become worse over time if they are not addressed immediately. Even if the injury was your fault, you could still be entitled to workers’ compensation.

Always notify your employer as soon as you are hurt. No matter how small the injury may seem, things could change. As soon as you notice something is wrong, an accident has happened, or you feel an injury has worsened, tell your employer. When making a workers’ compensation claim, you only have 90 days to report the injury to your employer, so don’t waste any time.

A previous injury made worse as a result of working could still possibly be a workers’ comp claim. Although each person’s situation differs, if you had a condition that was aggravated as a result of working, you still need to report this change to your employer. You could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

Not all injuries are sustained in one particular incident. In some jobs, an injury may be the result of a repetitive movement or overuse of a particular body part. These things happen over time. When an injury becomes apparent, don’t delay in reporting it just because it isn’t considered an “accident”.

If you find yourself contemplating any of these questions, call us now to set up your free consultation at 843-720-2800.