If you’re dealing with an injury you’ve gotten from work, submitting a claim might be your natural next step. However, if you’ve cut your pinky a tiny bit and are considering a claim— you might want to hold off. Worker’s compensation claims are tricky. Not to mention, they can cost a company tons of money. Therefore, if a company can find their way out of paying a claim by any means necessary— it is not uncommon that they will do it. Ultimately, submitting the right claim instead of submitting every possible claim could lead to a more seamless process, quicker compensation, and a few less sour tastes left in your employer’s mouth. If you’re facing a serious injury— seek help. But, if treatment is not necessary, weigh your options.
Submitting the Right Claim: Why Every Claim is Not the Right One
Submitting Multiple Claims In A Short Period Could Raise Suspicion
Whether your claim is entirely true or not— submitting multiple can start to raise suspicion amongst your employers and the workers compensation department. You’ve heard the term ‘crying wolf’ before. Eventually, those townspeople stopped believing it when he called. They doubted the sincerity because of the frequency. Workers compensation claims can go a bit like that too.
If you put in a claim last week for a cut, a claim three weeks before that for bumping your head, and then another for a sprained ankle— chances are, they’ll begin to try and find ways out of paying out. While your sprained ankle is serious, and might require doctoral intervention— those other two might have just needed ice, a band aid, a little time. The key here, is to submit the right claim. This means, the claim that truly requires intervention— should be the only one you’re submitting.
Remember, While It Is Not Ideal— You Have Up to 30 Days
Maybe that bump on the head is making you feel a bit iffy on whether you should see a doctor. But, you don’t want to file a claim until you’re sure— so, make sure you’re covered. Find the person that witnessed the accident, make your boss aware of what happened, and if it comes down to it— see a doctor as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more difficult it can be. The key is to make sure you’ve done everything you need to do beforehand if you’re on the fence. Just remember that the further you get into those thirty days— the more trouble you might have being compensated.
No Matter What Route You Follow, It Does Not Hurt to Speak with a Workers Compensation Lawyer
Lawyers will often offer free legal advice over the phone. We are happy to do so when it comes to workers compensation claims. Speaking with a seasoned lawyer if you’re either considering a claim, or have just submitted— will help you understand the next step and the potential of your claim. You might not end up needing a lawyer to intervene— but it does help to know what your options are. We wish you luck in submitting and handling your claim.