Workers Comp Lawyer

When a person is injured while at work, it may be necessary to retain the services of a workers comp lawyer victims turn to for help. For many who have been injured and required medical care, workers compensation may be the best way for injured workers to receive much-needed benefits. Workers compensation is a type of insurance program available for injured employees, providing them critical access to benefits. Workers comp is a no-fault system that benefits victims and protects employers and businesses from facing costly legal civil suits. Benefits of accepting workers compensation include:

• Medical Treatments
• A Portion of Lost Wages
• Disability Benefits
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Death Benefits

While workers compensation is a highly beneficial system for people with on-the-job injuries, it can be challenging to navigate, especially when complications arise. Most people have never had to contend with work-related injuries and the workers compensation system, and because of this, it’s not uncommon for a person to make mistakes in the wake of their injury. Fortunately, with guidance from professionals like Hurwitz, Whitcher & Molloy, LLP, they can receive legal support that they can count on. The following are mistakes victims may make that can have an impact on their ability to receive workers compensation benefits:

Mistake #1: Failing to Report the Accident

Immediately after an injury, there are two critical aspects to the process. If they can, injured workers should report the injuries to their employer and ensure that an accident report is completed. When an injury resulting from an accident isn’t reported to an employer, the results can be damaging. Failing to report an injury can be impactful because, as a result, your employer may dispute the claim. After all, they may not believe the injury has actually happened. 

Mistake #2: Failing to Seek Medical Treatment

It’s not uncommon for people to believe that their accident did not injure them badly enough to require medical treatment. While this may be the case, seeking medical care is essential to ensure no further damage. Seeking medical care ensures that a person receives the treatment they require. Additionally, medical treatment helps prove a person was injured while at work and provides critical documentation outlining injuries. 

Mistake #3: Failing to Follow Through with Treatment Recommendations

There are several reasons a person may not follow through with treatment recommendations from their medical provider. Sometimes, an injured worker may believe they have fully recovered. No matter the reason, it’s important to always follow through with treatment recommendations to ensure a full recovery. It’s also important to note that when a person does not follow through with treatment recommendations, the employer or insurance adjuster may believe that injuries are less severe than they were made out to be, which could ultimately impact a person’s benefits. 

Mistake #4: Under-Reporting Injuries

When meeting with a medical provider or an insurance adjuster, it’s important to be as candid as possible regarding injuries. One common mistake people make is by over-reporting or under-reporting their injuries. Some may not believe they are in as much pain as they are, and because of this, they may underreport the injuries. As a result, it could impact their benefits. 

When managing work related accidents, Hurwitz, Whitcher & Molloy, LLP recommends that victims consider speaking with a NY workers comp lawyer.