One person can work in construction or trade. Other people can work in warehouses or in transportation. At the same time, you can be a nurse or first responder. Every profession mentioned has something in common with them, which is getting hurt. Infections, muscle strains, lacerations, and other serious injuries can occur often. Therefore, you should hire a Chester workers’ compensation lawyer if you need help regarding injuries at work.
Things you should not do if you are injured at work
- Misunderstanding the work injury
It may seem self-explanatory, but you can pursue a worker’s compensation claim if the injury occurred while working and in the scope of your responsibilities as an employee. Injuries caused by aggravated by your employment can be covered under workers’ compensation, regardless of the prior physical condition.
It may happen that you were intoxicated when the injury occurred. If intoxication caused your injuries, you would not likely receive any compensation. Additionally, if you get hurt on purpose, the insurance will not cover it.
- Not knowing the difference between a lawsuit and a compensation claim.
Once you file a worker’s compensation, your employers can turn it in to their insurance company. They can accept the liability and compensation for the loss of wage benefits and medical treatment costs, or they can simply deny your claim.
If your claim is denied, you can file a lawsuit against your employers and the workers’ insurance carrier for compensation benefits you are entitled. Workers will hear the lawsuit, a compensation judge. Similarly, if you are currently on workers’ compensation benefits, they will file a lawsuit to obtain an order from the judge to halt your benefits.
- Not reporting your injury when you are hurt at work.
You should inform the supervisor or manager within 21 days if you are hurt. You should also report the accident’s nature or the injury you sustained. You should do this in writing and not verbally.
- Occupational disease time limit
The time limitation for workers’ compensation involving occupational disease is different. But, if you suffer from a disease caused or aggravated by your employment, you will have three years to file a claim for compensation benefits.
- Not describing the full scope of your injury when you are hurt at work.
Make a list of the things you will experience after the accident when you are at work. If a cab ran over your foot, breaking the bones, you also suffered from tore muscles or migraine headaches. Make it write down in a diary about the symptoms, as it can be helpful when the insurance company tries to claim more than you are entitled.
