Winning a workers’ compensation case involves a team effort, including the victim’s involvement. A good workers’ comp attorney can help connect the injured worker with expert witnesses and guide the process. Insurance companies want to reduce your workers’ compensation payouts by cutting back, delaying, excluding, or using other strategies. Here are a few tips to help you win your claim.
Keep Track of Your Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Anyone who has a work-related injury may file a workers’ compensation claim. The lawsuit aims to get compensated for medical bills and lost wages. However, winning the case is difficult because employers and insurance companies will deny the claim. The best way to increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve is by hiring the best workers compensation lawyer. They understand how insurance companies operate and will help you to avoid common mistakes that many people make when filing a workers’ comp claim.
In addition, a good attorney will help you to save all receipts and other documents related to your injury. It will enable you to present a complete picture of your situation and get the most out of your settlement.
Get the Right Doctor
The doctor you choose can significantly influence your case. Workers’ compensation doctors are a good choice because they understand the system and will help you document your injuries. In some states, the insurance company requires you to go to a doctor they select at first, but after 30 days or so (or if there is no PPO), you can switch doctors. Workers’ comp doctors have a high intuition regarding whether or not their patients are exaggerating their symptoms, and they also have medical instruments and equipment that can catch any inconsistencies. If the doctor believes you are not being truthful, they may deny your claim or offer a lower settlement amount. Insurance companies may hire private detectives to follow you and look for behaviors contradicting your claims. Then, they can use this evidence against you.
Don’t Let the Insurance Company Bait You
Regardless of how well you document your injury and related costs, workers’ comp insurance companies are for-profit businesses that often reject legitimate claims to save money. Engaging with a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney is crucial to improve your chances of a favorable outcome. Suppose your supervisor tries to retaliate against you for filing a claim. In that case, it is important to write down their behavior and provide a copy to them, your attorney, and your employer. It will help protect you against false allegations of retaliation and be useful if your claim is denied. Attending all legal meetings, appointments, and hearings is important throughout the process. Please do so to ensure you get all of your benefits.
Keep Track of Your Medical Bills
Keeping track of medical bills, associated costs of injuries, forms you’ve filled out, and other paperwork related to your injury will help you win your workers’ compensation claim. Having thorough records will increase the odds of the insurance company paying your full settlement. Prompt medical treatment enables you to heal faster and is important evidence in your workers’ comp case. If you put off getting treatment, the insurance company can try to refute your claims that your injuries are serious or related to your job. To prevent this from happening, read your medical bills and EOBs thoroughly and clip them together when matching dates of service with charges. Getting organized will minimize the chances of losing or forgetting to submit documents later.
Don’t Delay in Seeking Medical Care
In many states, a worker must be treated by approved or certified doctors to handle workers’ compensation cases. It can cause a conflict of interest because these doctors will have the insurance company’s best interests in mind. They may try to minimize an injury or treatment so they will not have to pay as much for a claim. It is why it is important to seek medical care right away. It will help you prove that your injuries were caused by work and not some other factor. It will also assist you more if the insurance provider contests your claims. Contact a lawyer with experience and workers’ compensation law knowledge if the insurance company rejects your claim.
