Mistakes that Can Jeopardize Your Workers Comp Claim

Mistakes that Can Jeopardize Your Workers Comp Claim

If you’ve been injured on the job, it can lead to serious physical and financial damages that will likely need to be addressed via a workers’ compensation claim.  Such injuries can lead to significant physical and financial damages, but the fact is there are a variety of common mistakes than can thwart your ability to collect on a workers’ compensation claim.  Understanding the basics can improve your chances of fully recovering for your losses. If you’ve been hurt on the job, consult with an experienced Kansas workers’ compensation attorney today. 

Failure to Report the Injury

If you’ve been hurt on the job, the first order of business is to report the matter to your supervisor or employer as quickly as possible.  Failing to report the incident in a timely manner can jeopardize your ability to fully recover on your losses via a workers’ comp claim. 

Failure to Provide Your Doctor with the Full Story

Telling your medical provider exactly how you were injured and the health consequences you’ve suffered as a result is not only critical to your health but is also important to your workers’ compensation claim.  The information you provide will become part of your medical record, which could serve as a piece of critical evidence in your case. Don’t forget to include:

1. When the accident happened
2. Where the accident happened
3. Exactly how you were injured
4. The physical and emotional consequences you’ve endured as a result
5. All of the body parts injured in the accident
6. All of the body parts that are hurting, not only as a result of the accident, but as a direct and natural result of the accident

Failure to Timely File Your Workers’ Comp Claim 

Merely informing your employer that you were injured doesn’t guarantee that your claim will be processed as a work comp claim.  There are forms that should be completed and filed with the Division of Workers’ Compensation, otherwise, your employer and their insurance carrier may not provide medical treatment and pay compensation.

Failure to Follow Doctor’s Orders

Once your doctor has provided you with instructions regarding your health, it’s imperative that you follow them closely – in order to help ensure your fullest recovery and to bolster your claim.  Failing to closely follow your doctor’s advice can send the message that your injury is not as serious as you claim.

Mistakes Related to Returning to Work 

Depending upon the seriousness of your injury, your employer may offer you an opportunity to return to work on light duty or with altered responsibilities.  Before returning to work, however, it is extremely important to provide the exact job description to your doctor and to obtain his or her go-ahead. If your doctor believes that it is safe for you to return to work (in the capacity outlined), then you’re free to do so without jeopardizing your health or your claim. 

If You’ve Been Injured at Work, You Need an Experienced Kansas Workers’ Compensation Attorney 

If you’ve been injured on the job, it is a mistake not to work closely with a skilled workers’ comp attorney. These claims are complicated, but Attorney Tom Pyle at Pyle Law in McPherson, Kansas, has the experience and commitment to skillfully advocate on your behalf for the compensation to which you are entitled.  Our legal team is here to help, so please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at (888) 381-1155 for more information today.