If you have recently been injured while you were on the job, you probably know how important workers compensation can be. You don't want to be stuck paying your own expensive medical bills, especially when you are unable to work. Plus, you will probably need a little bit of help with cash while you're going through the healing process.
Unfortunately, there are some cases in which workers compensation will try to get out of paying for the services that it is supposed to cover. To help prevent your case from being jeopardized, avoid these five things:
1. Illicit Drug Use
It's very important to make sure that any drug tests you take come back negative. You might be surprised by how often your physicians could be drug testing you. Workers compensation takes failed drug tests very seriously and can deny your claim because of it, even if you weren't using drugs or substances of any kind when you got injured. This means that you should avoid taking drugs and should be very careful about not taking medications that aren't prescribed to you.
2. Admitting Fault
Never admit that a workplace-related accident was your fault. If workers compensation can claim that you were negligent and that the accident was all your fault, they can deny your claim. Be cautious about your words to ensure that they won't accidentally be taken the wrong way when communicating with your employer.
3. Handling the Case on Your Own
You might assume that you can handle your own workers compensation claim, but this generally isn't a good idea. Even if your employer seems to be pretty agreeable throughout this process, you don't want to end up in a bad situation without legal representation. Workers compensation lawyers are generally affordable and can help ensure that your rights are protected throughout this process.
4. Going Back to Work Too Soon
Don't try to go back to work before your physician releases you. Not only could you risk serious injury to yourself, but you could also put your workers compensation claim at risk. Don't try to reassure your employer that you are able to work when you really can't safely do so; otherwise, you might not get the assistance that you need in covering your medical bills and expenses.
It's critical to avoid jeopardizing your workers compensation claim, but it can be easier to do than you think. Avoid these four things, and you can help ensure that your claim goes as smoothly as possible.
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