These 4 mistakes could hurt your workers’ compensation claim

You may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if you are injured on the job. These benefits cover the cost of medical expenses, lost wages and more.

However, certain mistakes could jeopardize your workers’ compensation claim even if you have a valid case and your injuries are covered under the scheme. Below are some of the avoidable blunders you need to be wary of.

1. Failing to report your injury on time

Reporting your work-related injury to your employer is one of the prerequisites when filing a workers’ compensation claim. Failure to report your workplace accident to your employer on time could raise doubts about the severity or origin of your injuries. In addition, the law in California provides a 30-day window to notify your employer. You could lose your right to claim benefits if you wait too long.

2. Not seeking medical treatment

Seeking medical attention after a workplace accident seems like a no-brainer, but it is crucial to the claims process. You may need to prove the nature and extent of your injuries or rule out the possibility that they were pre-existing. It can be difficult or impossible to do this without medical evidence, which explains the importance of a doctor’s visit.

3. Failing to follow the doctor’s orders

After seeking medical treatment, it’s important to follow your doctor’s orders carefully. Failing to do so can give your employer’s insurance company reason to question the legitimacy of your injury and the need for ongoing medical treatment.

4. Talking about your case on social media

Finally, be careful about what you post on social media during and after your workers’ compensation case. Even seemingly innocent posts or comments can be taken out of context and used against you by insurance companies or your employer. It’s best to refrain from discussing your case or posting anything related to your injury on social media.

Learning more about the workers’ compensation claim process and what you can do to get the benefits will significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome. Therefore, consider seeking informed guidance if you have any questions, concerns or clarifications about how everything works.