Common Mistakes After a Workplace Injury

Employers put safety measures in place to reduce the risk of injuries and accidents at work. Unfortunately, injuries on the job can still happen. This is especially true in high-risk occupations like construction or manufacturing. After an injury, many people make mistakes that can put their workplace injury compensation at risk. 

Knowing what to do and what not to do is essential if you have a workplace injury. This will help you get the necessary care and workplace injury compensation you deserve. This post will examine some of the most common mistakes people make after a workplace injury. These mistakes can reduce the amount of your claim or even give cause to deny your claim. 

Be sure you have the compensation you need to recover your health and care for yourself and your family. If you have questions, a worker’s’ compensation attorney can discuss your case and advise you on the best course of action.

What is a workplace injury?

First off, a workplace injury is any incident or accident that occurs at work that requires medical attention or causes you to miss work. Workplace injuries can also include diseases or disorders, such as mental-health issues resulting from your employment or employment activities. 

Below are some of the most common work-related injuries as reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Falls: The most common injury for people who work at heights.
• Slips: can happen on ice or spilled liquid on a floor.
• Trips: Tripping over wires or other hazards in the workplace is a common injury.
• Sprains, tears, strains: Injuries from repetitive motion or overexertion.
• Being hit by an object or vehicle.
• Violence caused by other people or animals. 

Common mistakes after a workplace injury

Avoiding these mistakes will help you get workplace injury compensation if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Not reporting your workplace injury right away

One of the most common mistakes people make after a workplace injury is not reporting the injury to their employer when it happens. You need to report your injury right away. This report is the basis for your claim, and if you wait too long, you could be out of luck or not get the worker’s’ compensation you deserve. 

Each state has different time limits for when you must report your injury. They can range from thirty to forty-five days after an accident or ninety days after symptoms relating to a disease begin. Your supervisor also has a limited time to file a workplace injury report. Report all the facts and get a copy of the report for your records. 

You may not think your injuries are severe enough to report them or that you’ll recover quickly. It’s always a good idea to report any incident or damage, no matter how small it seems. 

Not disclosing any previous injuries

The second mistake is not reporting previous injuries to your doctor at your medical exam. Suppose you have prior injuries and don’t report them. In that case, the insurance company can use them as a basis to deny your claim and damage your credibility. Be honest in your medical report, and inform your worker’s’ compensation attorney of any previous injuries. 

Not getting a medical diagnosis of your injury from a doctor

Suppose you’re injured at work or suffer symptoms from a disease related to your employment. In that case, you need a medical exam from a doctor. Tell your doctor about all your symptoms, whether they seem severe or not. Make sure your symptoms are documented in the report. 

If you fell and injured your leg but also landed on your hand, tell your doctor about your hand and leg. If you don’t get a complete medical report, the insurance company can claim your injuries aren’t serious and deny your claim.  

Not documenting your injury

To file a workers’ compensation claim, you need evidence to back up your injury in medical reports and documentation. Ensure all injuries and symptoms are listed in your medical report, and you have a diagnosis from your doctor. Gather any evidence you can about the incident. This evidence includes pictures of the injury site, witness statements, and proof you filed an injury report with your employer. 

Not returning to work when you’re able

If your doctor says you’re ready to return to work, even at a reduced capacity and pay, you must accept the position. You could risk losing your benefits because the insurance company can claim it’s a voluntary loss of income. If your pay in your new position is significantly lower than your previous rate, you can also apply for benefits to make up the difference. 

You can appeal the decision, but it’s best to speak with a workplace injury lawyer for advice in this case. 

Not hiring a work injury lawyer

Many people wonder if they should hire a workers’ compensation lawyer after a workplace injury. The answer is yes. Workers’ compensation claims are complex, and the insurance company and your employer will have legal help navigating the claim. Be sure you have the help you need with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney at your side. 

If you need help finding a workplace injury lawyer, contact LegalASAP. Our network of experienced, local workers’ compensation attorneys can review your case and help you get the best result possible. Take our free evaluation survey today to see if you qualify.