Take These 3 Crucial Steps After a Work Injury

To maximize your chances of receiving the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to, it is important to be familiar with these three crucial steps.

From slippery floors to electrical equipment to shoulder injuries, there are several ways that employees can get injured on the job. In most cases, these injuries are minor and heal quickly. However, there are also times when workers are seriously hurt, and their lives are forever changed. When this happens, workers’ compensation claims can be a lifeline, providing much-needed financial support during a difficult time.

Unfortunately, not all workers’ compensation claims are successful. To maximize your chances of receiving the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to, it is important to be familiar with these three crucial steps.

Stick to the Facts

Whether you were hurt at work or on your way to work, it is important to have a clear and concise story about what happened. And not just for your own benefit – insurance companies will also be looking for a clear and well-documented account of the accident. If your story is vague or filled with holes, it will be much harder to prove that your injuries are work-related.

To make sure your story is as strong as possible, take some time to write down everything you can remember about the accident and your injuries. Include as many details as possible, such as what time the accident happened, where it took place, and how you were injured. If there were witnesses to the accident, be sure to get their contact information so that they can corroborate your story. If you have any documentation related to the accident, such as medical records or police reports, be sure to include these as well. The more evidence you have to support your claim, the better.

Stick to the facts and avoid embellishing details.

Get Prompt Medical Treatment

Perhaps you were not seriously injured, or maybe you could not afford to miss work, so you decided to tough it out and wait to see a doctor. Or you visited a doctor but did not follow up with any additional treatment. Whatever the reason, if you don’t have documentation of your injuries, it will be much harder to prove that they are work-related. Insurance companies often use the lack of medical treatment as evidence that an injury is not serious.

To ensure that your claim is as strong as possible, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident, even if you think your injuries are minor. In addition, be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment and attend all scheduled appointments.

File Your Claim ASAP

Generally, the sooner you file your workers’ compensation claim, the better. The longer you wait, the more likely the insurance company will argue that your injuries are not work-related.

To ensure that your claim is filed promptly, it is important to contact your employer as soon as possible after the accident. Inform them of the accident and your injuries, and ask them to provide you with the necessary paperwork. Once you have the paperwork, complete it and return it as soon as possible.

In addition, be sure to keep copies of all documentation related to the accident, including medical records and bills, as well as any correspondence with your employer or insurance company. This will help to ensure that your claim is filed correctly and on time.

While there are many factors that can affect the strength of a workers’ compensation claim, these are some of the most common. By taking the time to understand these crucial factors and taking the appropriate steps, you can increase your chances of having a successful claim.

The Law Office of James. M. Hoffman

If you have been injured on the job, do not go it alone. From the very start of your claim, your employer and their insurance company will likely have an attorney or a team of attorneys. It will likely be a large insurance company with deep pockets, and their attorney, against you.

At the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann we can put over 30 years of experience to work for you and ensure your legal rights are protected. Missouri workers compensation attorney James M. Hoffmann has a strong history of helping injured Missouri workers get the medical attention and financial compensation they need to move forward. Give us a call today for a free case evaluation.