Top 5 Tips for Filing a Successful Worker’s Compensation Claim in Baltimore
If you have sustained a work related injury, you must take immediate steps to guard your interests. Nothing is worse than compounding injuries from an accident, with further damage and loss caused by delayed or denied insurance benefits.
A seasoned workers’ compensation lawyer Attorney Eric T. Kirk can help you protect these rights, and ensure you get the benefits to which you are entitled. If you’ve been hurt as a result of your job, than Maryland law gives you the right to collect worker’s compensation benefits. While the system is supposed to be “self-executing” experience has shown us that insurance companies often look for any reason not to approve your claim. Filing a claim for worker’s compensation can be complicated. A wrong move can eliminate your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve. Here are a few important tips.
Report the Injury Immediately
Legally, in order to receive workers’ compensation, you must report your injury to your employer within certain time frames. Failure to do so could give the insurance company another reason to deny a legitimate claim. Additionally, any delay in reporting your injury allows the insurance company to call into question the legitimacy of your injury. Don’t help them out.
Get Names of Witnesses
Credible witnesses can be a deciding factor in your case. Make sure to get the names of anyone who was present and witnessed your injury.
Request Medical Treatment
If you are injured at work and plan on filing a worker’s compensation claim, it’s essential that you see a medical professional as soon as possible. The law provides that your employer must provide medical care. It might come as a surprise, but employers don’t always volunteer to do this. If they don’t- go to a doctor or hospital on your own. The longer you wait before receiving a documented medical examination, the easier it is for insurance companies to claim that your delay is evidence that you are not actually hurt.
Fill Out Paperwork Accurately
Between workplace accident reports and worker’s compensation claims, you will most likely have a mountain of paperwork to fill out. Any inconsistencies or incorrect information can be used as grounds to deny your claim. Insurance companies have denied claims because the wrong time was listed on a report form.
Consult With an Attorney
Consulting with a qualified attorney can never hurt, and is often instrumental in obtaining each and ever benefit to which you are entitled. An attorney who focuses a component of their practice on worker’s compensation can guide you through each step of the process. They can ensure that your paperwork is filed correctly and that you are compensated the amount that you deserve. In the event that your claim has to be taken to court, you will have an attorney present that has detailed knowledge of your situation and the laws governing the case.
