4 Tips for a Successful Workers' Compensation Claim

Workers' compensation should be one of the first options you consider when you suffer an injury at your workplace. If you plan to file a workers' comp claim, you need to be aware of factors that can improve your chances of success. Here are four tips that can help you win your claim and handle employer disputes.

1. Research Your State's Workers' Compensation Laws

Depending on the circumstances surrounding the injury you suffered at work, it may or may not be covered by the workers' compensation laws of your state. The bottom line that qualifies you for workers' comp is whether the injury occurred while you were performing job-related duties, which is a requirement in almost every state.

If your injury took place during work-related duties, the next step is to receive a medical report that states the injury was a result of conditions on the job. Your physician will be able to provide valuable advice relating to workers' comp, and several online sources can give you a full overview of your state's laws.

2. Do Not Hesitate to File Your Claim

One of the worst things you can do for your case is to wait too long to file your claim. If you have a serious injury that prevents you from getting much-needed income, start the process of filing a claim as soon as possible. Putting off your claim may make your employer suspect that your claim is not valid and make a dispute more likely.

If you file your claim promptly, the process of gathering documentation and dealing with your employer's insurer will be much easier. You will need a copy of the workers' comp form, as well as documentation showing that your employer filed with their insurer.

Employers have a deadline between 14 and 30 days to process and respond to the claim, so you should call the insurer if they haven't contacted you within this amount of time.

3. Understand the Reasons Behind Employer Disputes

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for employers to attempt to dispute workers' compensation claims, even if they are seemingly air-tight. Employers may feel that an employee's injury is not serious enough to constitute a payout or that the employee is feigning injury.

Many employers are less willing to recognize the need for a payout if your injuries are difficult to verify. This can be problematic for conditions caused by cumulative trauma. such as carpal tunnel and other repetitive stress injuries. No matter what type of injury you have, some employers will attempt to deny your claim simply to avoid paying higher premiums for workers' compensation benefits.

4. Consider Working With a Workers' Compensation Attorney

An attorney that specializes in workers' compensation claims is a valuable asset to have on your side during your case. An attorney can assist you with filing your claim by the required deadline, gathering all required documentation, and handling any disputes with your employer.

Workers' comp attorneys can help you secure additional compensation beyond the standard payout for your workers' comp insurance claim. If you need permanent partial or total disability compensation, your attorney can work with the physicians that examine you so that you can receive a disability rating that is in line with your actual needs.

Filing a workers' compensation claim is often a stressful experience compounded by the pain you are likely to experience due to your injury. If you have been injured at work, contact the Law Offices of Robert Dodson, P.A., for an experienced workers' compensation professional who can help you optimize your case and win the maximum payout that you deserve.