Mistakes to Avoid in a Lakewood Workers’ Compensation Claim
Workers’ compensation is insurance that protects workers who suffer injuries on the job. But many of those workers have never made a workers’ compensation claim, do not know what to expect, and therefore make mistakes when filing that claim. Any mistakes in a claim can result in a complete or partial denial. For those who may need to file claims in the future, below are the most common mistakes to avoid in a Lakewood workers’ compensation claim. To discuss any other potential mistakes, do not hesitate to speak with an experienced Lakewood injury lawyer. Read on to learn more about how a skilled injury attorney could warn you about mistakes to avoid in a Lakewood workers’ compensation claim today.
Not Notifying the Employer in Writing of the Injury
Lakewood employees have four days to notify their employer in writing of the injury. Verbal confirmation will not be taken into consideration when filing a claim, so it is important to submit a written notice. After the four-day period, every day the employee neglects to report the injury may result in a one-day reduction of benefits. This is one of the most important mistakes to avoid in a Lakewood workers’ compensation claim.
When an employer is notified that an employee suffered an injury and will be filing a workers’ compensation claim, they will provide that employee with a list of preferred doctors and healthcare workers. The employee should only see this doctor, as going to someone else could result in a denial of workers’ compensation benefits. Later, the insurance company may want the employee to see another doctor for their injury, and employees should also comply with this request.
Going Against the Doctor’s Recommendations
Other mistakes to avoid in a Lakewood workers’ compensation claim include not complying with the doctor’s recommendations, particularly as they pertain to restricting activities. For example, an employee who injured their back may be advised by a doctor to stop participating in their weekly hockey league. If they continue to do so, there could be serious consequences. Often, the insurance company will investigate the claim and whether the employee abided by the doctor’s recommendations. If they have not, that could result in the insurance company denying them benefits.
When it comes to workers’ compensation claims, every detail of the injury and the incident leading up to it is important. It is for this reason that injured employees should always tell the doctor about all their symptoms, issues related to the injury, and the nature of the pain they are experiencing. Failing to do so is one of the common mistakes in a Lakewood workers’ compensation claim. Not only could this result in the employee not receiving the full treatment they need, but the doctor could also clear them for work sooner than they are ready. Just like most other workers’ compensation mistakes, this could also result in the employee not receiving all the benefits they are entitled to.
How a Lakewood Injury Attorney Can Be a Guide
Unfortunately, many workers’ compensation claims are denied every day. And when they are, employees who are denied benefits have the right to appeal. Some people may not be aware that it is possible to appeal a denial, while others may think that if they were denied once, they will be denied twice. But that may not be true. Some workers’ compensation claims are denied due to small mistakes that can easily be fixed and resubmitted. And that can allow the employee to get the benefits they rightly deserve.
It is important to follow the proper procedure when filing a workers’ compensation claim. In the best case, this may result in an employee receiving fewer benefits than they are entitled to. When filing a workers’ compensation claim, it is important to speak with an experienced Lakewood injury attorney with knowledge about these types of claims, benefits, and appeals. They will know the mistakes to avoid in a Lakewood workers’ compensation claim, and can help get injured workers the benefits they need.
