If you are injured at work you will typically be able to claim workers’ compensation through your employer’s insurance. Yet, every year, thousands of people see their claims fail. Others win their claim only to have it reduced or overturned later.
In many cases, these people have simply made a mistake that allows the insurance company to beat them. While you might not have considered worker’s comp as a contest before, you need to realize that the insurer may well fight to deny you what you are due – they are interested in profit at the end of the day.
Underestimating injuries
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to underestimate the consequences of an accident. For example, you fall from a ladder and then pick yourself up and tell everyone you will be fine; resisting anyone’s suggestion that you should go and see a doctor.
Some injuries only make themselves apparent after some time while others you may notice straight away but fail to realize how serious their long-term effects will be.
Getting an immediate medical checkup is crucial. The doctor can catch issues that you might miss and help you understand the full seriousness of any injury. Their reports will also be crucial in a claim.
Overestimating your powers of recovery
Maybe you won your compensation claim. Don’t assume the insurer will rest on their laurels. They may still try to claw back money.
They might send private investigators to follow you around and scan your social media. They’ll be looking to get a photo or video of you doing something that suggests the injury has harmed you less than the doctor said it would.
For instance, maybe the doctor’s report said you would have crippling back pain for at least six months leaving you unable to work for that time. If they catch you unloading a trunk full of shopping or jumping around in the water in a holiday snap posted on social media, they may take it to court to contest the original decision. They won’t care that you had to spend the rest of the day in bed in agony because you momentarily forgot to take sufficient care and overexerted yourself.
Workers’ compensation claims are challenging, and having someone explain how to protect your rights is wise.