Workers’ compensation benefits are a critical safety net if you are injured at work and must take time off to recuperate. These benefits replace a portion of your wages and pay medical costs (both now and in the future if necessary), with other benefits available if your injury results in permanent damage. Missteps at the beginning may lead to delays or a denial of benefits.
An experienced workers’ comp lawyer understands how to guide you through this process and help avoid pitfalls that can either unnecessarily complicate or undermine your claim. If you have already been denied benefits, a workers’ comp attorney can identify the problems and help you take your case to a hearing so you can get the benefits to which you are entitled. Our team assists injured workers, and we could identify mistakes to avoid when making a workers’ compensation claim in Spartanburg and the surrounding areas.
What Is the Most Common First Mistake Workers Make After an Injury?
After you are injured at work, you must immediately notify your employer. If you are unable to do so right away, you have to provide notice to your employer as soon as reasonably possible, and in no case may you first give notice of an injury 90 days after the incident. This pitfall may be avoided by contacting our attorneys for a free consultation as soon as possible after an accident, so the process is handled correctly from the beginning.
Your employer may maintain a detailed policy for reporting workplace injuries, and you should comply with their rules. If you live in Spartanburg or another local community, we can help you understand the mistakes to avoid when applying for workers’ compensation.
Failing to Give Notice of Your Injury to the Correct Person
Another common mistake is when a worker fails to tell the correct person(s) about the injury. It is not sufficient just to tell any co-worker—you need to tell someone in a supervisory position, someone in human resources, the company nurse or doctor, or other persons your employer may specifically designate to handle reports of work-related injuries.
If the correct people are not given notice, then you are putting your claim in jeopardy from the outset. This is another reason why meeting with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible after a work injury in Spartanburg or the surrounding area helps avoid mistakes and maximize your chances of having the claim go smoothly and successfully from the outset.
Failing to Inform Your Employer You Would Like Treatment for Your Injury Under Workers’ Compensation
There are many jobs here in Spartanburg and around the state that involve a lot of physical work. Oftentimes, employees in these jobs will have aches and pains they may complain about (even to supervisors) that aren’t actually injuries that need treatment.
This is why it is very important that when you provide notice of your work-related accident, you also specify that you would like to see a doctor under workers’ compensation as soon as possible so there is no confusion as to the fact that you are reporting a workers’ compensation injury.
Let an Attorney Help You Avoid Mistakes in Workers’ Compensation Claims
One misstep in the workers’ compensation process could result in your claim being delayed or denied, forcing you to take additional procedural steps. You need help from an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to avoid pitfalls you might otherwise encounter alone. For experienced assistance, contact us for your free initial consultation. We will explain the process so you will understand the mistakes to avoid when making a workers’ compensation claim in Spartanburg, Greenville, or another city.
(864) 585-5100