Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing for Workers’ Comp
Workers' compensation benefits can be a crucial safety net for employees who sustain a work-related injury or illness. In California, workers’ comp benefits are designed to provide financial support to employees to cover medical treatments, lost wages, and other costs while recovering from workplace accidents. However, navigating the intricacies of California workers’ comp is often easier said than done.
Working with a skilled workers’ comp lawyer is nonnegotiable to obtain full and fair compensation after a workplace accident. A qualified attorney can help injured workers avoid common pitfalls that may result in the rejection or reduction of workers’ comp benefits, robbing them of the financial aid they deserve to make a full recovery.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance of workers' comp and review common errors to avoid when applying for benefits in California.
5 Errors to Avoid When Filing for Workers’ Compensation
Workers' compensation is a system designed to protect employees by providing them with benefits in the event of a work-related injury or illness. It serves various important purposes, such as financial support, medical treatment, disability benefits, and employment protection for California workers.
It’s imperative for injured workers to steer clear of common pitfalls when navigating their workers’ comp claim. Below are 5 common mistakes to avoid when filing for workers’ comp benefits in California:
1. Failing to follow your company’s policies or procedures.
One of the most common mistakes California employees can make after a workplace accident is failing to follow their company's policies or procedures after a work-related injury. It’s crucial to report the injury promptly to your employer and comply with any specific reporting requirements set by your company, as failing to follow established procedures can lead to delays or even denial of your workers’ comp claim.
A qualified workers’ comp attorney can help injured employees familiarize themselves with their company’s specific policies to maximize the chance of obtaining fair compensation.
2. Failing to report your injury to your employer in a timely manner.
The timely reporting of your work-related injury is essential to protect your right to workers' comp benefits. In California, injured workers have only 30 days to report the injury to their employers, but it’s imperative to do so as soon as possible. Delayed reporting can result in delayed benefits or even no benefits at all.
3. Excluding or exaggerating certain details of your injury.
Accuracy is vital when describing the details of a work-related injury or illness. Excluding important information or exaggerating certain aspects pertaining to the accident can undermine the credibility of your claim and raise suspicion. It’s essential for injured workers to provide a complete, truthful, and accurate account of the incident and the resulting injuries to receive workers’ comp benefits.
4. Returning to the workplace too soon after the accident.
Returning to work before you are fully recovered can have serious consequences on both your health and workers’ comp claim. It’s important to prioritize your well-being by following all advice from treating physicians and taking adequate time to heal after the accident. Returning to work too early can not only worsen your condition and prolong your recovery, but can also jeopardize your chance of receiving maximum benefits or any workers’ comp benefits at all.
5. Failing to seek appropriate medical care when needed.
It’s important to seek prompt medical care when appropriate when filing for workers’ comp benefits in California. Receiving appropriate medical treatment is not only vital for your health and well-being, but an essential part of fortifying your workers’ comp claim with sufficient evidence, maximizing your chance of receiving full and fair compensation after sustaining a workplace injury.
Delaying medical attention or failing to follow your doctor's recommendations after a workplace accident can raise doubts or suspicion regarding the legitimacy of your injuries. It’s critical to consult with a trusted workers’ comp lawyer who can guide your steps wisely from start to finish.
Reliable Representation for Injured California Workers
Our experienced workers’ comp attorneys at Alvandi Law Group have over 15 years of experience representing injured California employees. If you sustained an injury or illness due to a workplace accident, look no further than the skilled advocacy offered by our award-winning law firm. With over half a billion dollars recovered for the injured in California employment, you can trust our compassionate lawyers to represent your best interests from start to finish, giving you the time and space you need to heal and fully recover from your injuries.
If you were injured in a workplace accident, taking swift legal action is crucial. Contact us online to consult with a skilled California workers’ comp lawyer.