Workers’ compensation is a typical part of employment in today’s world, and most U.S. employers are required to have coverage that protects the company and its workers in the event of an accident. Insurers are in the business to be profitable, and they make profits by avoiding payouts. This situation can result in violations of an injured worker’s rights and the need for Personalized Legal Service in Wilkes-Barre PA. Below are several ways for clients to protect their rights after an on-the-job injury.
Learn the Employer’s Policies
Preparedness can make the difference between a successful claim and one that’s denied. Clients should think of the type of injuries they may receive on the job, and they should ask the company’s HR department for workers’ comp information. Knowing what’s covered will not take much time and will simplify things in the event of an injury.
Get Treatment Right Away
If a client delays treatment for any reason, that fact can be used by an insurer to justify a claim denial. The validity or severity of the injury may be questioned, and the claim can run into serious roadblocks. By seeking treatment immediately after an injury, the client can leave no room for questions.
Be Quick and Honest When Reporting the Injury
Improper reporting can cause a claim to be denied or delayed. Because the hospital is usually the first stop for an injured worker, physicians are often the first to determine the injury is related to the victim’s job. A hospital’s intake form should have an option for indicating this, and the client should notify the HR department right away.
Take Treatment Seriously
Once the claim has been approved and the victim’s medical bills are being paid by the company’s insurer, the client should continue to take their treatment seriously. The insurer will know when a victim misses a doctor’s appointment, and they may use it as an excuse to terminate or reduce workers’ comp benefits.
Hire an Attorney
If a client has trouble with a claim, is injured seriously enough to require surgery, or is injured with long-term damage, they should consider hiring an attorney. Most workers’ compensation lawyers, such as those with The Law Office of Robert D. Elias, offer no-obligation consultations and Personalized Legal Service in Wilkes-Barre PA, and these can give the client enough information to determine whether legal representation is necessary.
