Workplace injuries can be costly, but Pennsylvania employees have the right to receive workers’ compensation benefits to cover their medical care, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation when necessary. Unfortunately, employers and insurance companies often complicate the claims process, leading to mistakes that result in a denial of benefits.
To ensure you understand the mistakes to avoid when making a Bensalem workers’ compensation claim, contact The Law Office of Kaitlin Files, LLC. Our seasoned workers’ compensation attorneys could advise you on how to proceed with your claim.
Delaying an injury report is a common mistake that Bensalem employees make when filing a claim for workers’ compensation. According to Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation Act, workers must inform their employers of any work-related injuries within 21 days to receive full wage loss benefits. However, it is best to report an injury as soon as it occurs.
Waiting days or weeks before reporting an incident could be viewed as suspicious by the involved insurance company. They may ask for further clarification to determine whether activities outside of work caused your injury.
Tell your boss or the company’s human resources department about your accident immediately, even if your symptoms are mild. Record the date, time, and circumstances of your injury, and ask for a written confirmation that your employer has received notice of the incident. This information may help prevent errors when pursuing compensation.
Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, employers are permitted to select certain medical providers for injured employees to visit within their first 90 days of treatment. However, for this rule to apply, an employer must provide a list of at least six authorized physicians and supply a Rights and Responsibilities document to be signed by the employee at hire and the time of injury. If these steps are not taken, workers may choose their own health care provider.
If your employee provided a Rights and Responsibilities document and properly posted their chosen list of medical providers, visiting unapproved doctors may cause insurance to reject your claim and not pay for their services. If you need emergency treatment, seek care immediately and notify your employer of the circumstances.
A knowledgeable Bensalem attorney could help you understand the rules regarding the first 90 days of medical treatment and avert inaccuracies when filing your claim for employer’s liability compensation.
The insurance company’s adjusters may carefully review your entire statement regarding your workplace injury. Inconsistencies between your initial report, medical records, and subsequent statements could raise credibility concerns. The insurance company might interpret these discrepancies as fraud or exaggeration.
It is important to provide factual and consistent descriptions of the circumstances leading up to your injury. Only provide the facts, such as the place, time, and the specific job duty you were performing when the injury happened. Doing so could help you avoid errors when making your Bensalem occupational compensation claim.
Employer or financial issues often cause injured workers to return to their jobs prematurely. Returning to work before receiving a doctor’s clearance could exacerbate your injury and complicate your claim. The insurance company may argue that your symptoms persisted because you continued working without adequate rest.
Be sure to comply with your physician’s instructions concerning work restrictions and resuming work. If your employer offers you a modified duties schedule, ensure that any changes you agree to align with your medical limitations. Keep track of situations in which others have pressured you to work beyond your physical restrictions to further avoid errors when filing your claim for employer’s liability insurance in Bensalem.
Workers’ compensation insurance companies hire skilled adjusters and lawyers who aim to minimize payouts. Do not go through the system without the help of an attorney. Without a Bensalem occupational compensation attorney to help prevent inaccuracies when filing your claim, you may receive reduced benefits or face denial. If you do not have representation and do not understand your rights, insurance companies may take advantage of you.
Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys understand state laws, insurance companies’ tactics, and claim valuation methods. We could identify potential issues early, gather the necessary evidence, and negotiate reasonable settlements on your behalf.
If you have sustained an injury while working, do not go through the workers’ compensation process alone. Our lawyers at The Law Office of Kaitlin Files, LLC could explain the mistakes to avoid when making a Bensalem workers’ compensation claim and safeguard your rights. Contact our dedicated legal team today to discuss your case and find out how we could secure the compensation you deserve for your work injury.
Reviews