Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Greenville Workers’ Compensation Claim
If you have been seriously injured while working, you may have to worry about filing a workers’ compensation claim on top of recovering from your injuries. Any mistakes made on your claim could result in your application for workers’ compensation benefits being denied or delayed.
An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer could help you identify what mistakes to avoid when filing a workers’ compensation claim and ensure you follow all the necessary procedures to receive the benefits you need.
Not Reporting the Claim Immediately
There are many common mistakes injured workers could make that may hamper their eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. Since workers’ comp lawyers frequently see these mistakes, they could help any injured employee in Greenville ensure they do not make them in their own case. It is imperative for injured workers to report their claims as soon as possible. Certain severe injuries may prevent individuals from reporting their claim immediately, but a co-worker or family member should ensure it is reported—in writing—to the employer. Failure to report the injury within 30 days may result in non-eligibility for workers’ compensation.
Failure to Seek Medical Treatment
The injured party must go to a doctor or hospital—preferably one chosen by the employer as part of their workers’ compensation agreement—and have an examination and treatment. Medical care is not only important for the person’s health and recovery, but failure to seek prompt medical attention can preclude an employee from receiving workers’ compensation benefits.
Failure to Give Healthcare Providers Complete Information
Injured workers must tell a healthcare provider that they were injured at work and how the injury occurred, as not doing so could jeopardize their workers’ compensation claim. Insurance companies investigate all medical records, and if a worker fails to tell a healthcare provider about a specific work-related injury at the initial visit and then changes their story later, the insurer may claim the unreported injury was not related to the workplace injury.
It is also important to always follow the doctor’s orders and not attempt to go back to work against medical advice. If a worker has an issue with treatment compliance, they should discuss it with their physician and see if alternative treatments may be arranged, if there is a legitimate reason the worker cannot undergo the prescribed treatment. Patients must attend all scheduled doctor and therapy appointments.
Not Filing a Form 18
One of the mistakes to avoid when filing a workers’ compensation claim in Greenville is failing to file a Form 18. Injured workers must file a copy of Form 18 with the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC), which oversees workers’ compensation in the state. This form establishes a worker’s legal claim.
Benefits of a Greenville Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Injured workers should never settle a claim before consulting with an attorney, or they may end up settling for far less than they deserve for their injury. Once the NCIC approves a settlement, it is almost impossible to change the agreement.
Avoiding simple mistakes when filing a Greenville workers’ compensation claim could be critically important to achieving a satisfactory end result. An accomplished lawyer could know the correct value of a settlement for a particular injury and work to protect and defend your rights against insurers and their representatives whose aim is to settle a claim for as little as possible.
If you were seriously injured while on the job, you have legal options and rights that you should not leave unprotected. Arrange a free initial consultation and get started on your case by calling today.
