Avoid These Costly Mistakes in Your Workers’ Comp Claim
Filing a claim for workers’ compensation is a complex, multi-step process. While these claims are intended to protect injured workers, it is all too easy to make mistakes that can end up damaging your claim. To efficiently navigate this process and avoid these common pitfalls, consider working with a DuPage County, IL workers’ compensation attorney.
At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, we have helped numerous clients recover compensation through workers’ compensation claims, with settlements in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. With our legal knowledge and decades of experience, we can effectively guide you through your claim to ensure that your rights are protected. Here are a few of the most common mistakes we see in workers’ compensation claims.
Waiting Too Long to Report a Workplace Injury
Workers’ compensation claims work on tight timelines. From the moment of the accident, you only have 45 days to report the accident to your employer. If the injury was caused by repetitive stress or exposure to harmful chemicals, you must report it within 45 days of becoming aware of your condition.
Forty-five days may seem like a fairly generous amount of time, but ideally, you should report the accident as soon as possible. Your claim may be viewed with extra scrutiny if you delay in making the report. If you are not able to report the accident in person, our attorneys can help you draft a written report instead.
Not Getting a Full Medical Exam After a Workplace Injury
In some cases, a workplace injury may only be a temporary inconvenience while you recover. In other cases, you could be left with a permanent impediment that affects your ability to earn a living. To ensure that you get the most out of your workers’ compensation claim, it is important that you get a full medical examination after the accident.
Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may be entitled to different wage benefits. For example, if you are unable to work while you recover, you might get temporary total disability payments to replace up to two-thirds of your weekly income. If you do not have your condition thoroughly examined by a doctor, you could be left with an inadequate remedy.
Not Filing an Appeal for a Denied Workers’ Compensation Claim
Having your claim denied by an insurer can be a huge disappointment. However, you should not assume that your petition is over just because you have been denied. You have the right to request an appeal with an arbitrator who will review the facts of your case.
At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, we can help you prepare for a meeting with the arbitrator and advocate for your right to fair, full compensation, challenging the reason for the denial. Even if your claim is denied again in arbitration, we can continue to escalate the matter on your behalf.
Contact a Naperville, IL Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
Workers’ compensation claims can be confusing to navigate on your own, but an attorney can walk you through the process while avoiding common blunders. To schedule a free consultation with one of our DuPage County, IL workplace injury lawyers, call Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC at 815-730-1977 today.
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