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Three Mistakes to Avoid When Filing for Workers’ Compensation

Work-related accidents happen Sometimes, they can be the result of negligent behavior by the employee, but there are often times where they are unavoidable. There are also instances where you may become ill as a result of your workplace. Both of these situations could lead to you be owed money through a personal injury claim.

At the very least, your employer should have workers’ compensation coverage. If they do, you will need to file a claim. This process is not simple and could require the help of one of the quality injury lawyers in your area. Too often, people get less money than they deserve because they filed their claim incorrectly. Here are three of the most common mistakes people make when filing for workers’ comp.

Waiting

If you are hurt at work, don’t hesitate to report the accident to your employer. The law varies from state to state, but you are usually only eligible for back pay from the accident if you file within the first three weeks after your injury. You also must file within 120 days to receive any money at all.

Some people choose to wait because they are embarrassed or they are not sure if they will get in trouble. This is a huge mistake, leading to the injured party missing out on a lot of money in the long run.

Thinking Being at Fault Negates Your Claim

A large number of injured parties avoid filing a claim at all due to thinking they are at fault for the accident. This is one of the most common and most damning mistakes that a person can make when they are hurt at work. Workers’ comp benefits are on what is called a strict liability system, meaning the injured party is entitled to benefits whether they are at fault or not.

The question you should ask yourself in this situation is “Am I injured?” not “Was this my fault?”

Not Contacting an Attorney

Regardless of how much your boss likes you, your employer’s insurance company is going to try to protect their bottom line as much as possible. In fact, most insurance companies hire a team to do just that. The only way to be fully prepared to file a claim in this situation is to hire an attorney. A personal injury lawyer is the only person who understands the red tape and ins and outs of these kinds of injury claims enough to help with the fight against an uncooperative insurance company.

This is not a fight that you want to enter alone. Hiring a lawyer means you have someone in your corner keeping your best interests in mind.