Job injury accidents are something that a person can’t be prepared for, but it’s a fact that they happen all the time. Although you can’t be prepared for a workplace injury or illness, you can be prepared for what happens next. Workers who sustain injuries at work need to know what to do after an accident at work and also what preventative measures to take.
By making mistakes after a job injury, you risk decreasing the potential settlement or compensation you may be eligible for. We’ve listed the top 5 mistakes that should be avoided during your workers’ compensation case and after your onsite injury.
Not reporting the accident in time
The most common mistake that an injured employee can do is to not report the accident in a timely manner. According to the Florida workers’ comp law, an employee who has suffered injuries while on the job has 30 days to report it to the employer. There are certain exceptions but it’s advisable to notify your employer or supervisor immediately after the accident. Due to a large number of job-related claims, employers are highly suspicious. With this in mind, it’s essential to act quickly and report your accident immediately.
Not reporting previous injuries
The second mistake injured employees tend to make is not disclosing any previous work injuries. Not reporting previous injuries may result in losing your job injury workers compensation entirely. Be aware that if you don’t report on previous work accident and injuries, it can be considered as fraud and you may be forced to repay the workers’ compensation finances you already received.
We recommend that you are always transparent about previous injuries. Your employer’s insurance company will use the information to argue that your current injury is a pre-existing condition. This is a very commonly used objection by insurance companies. However, it is much easier to argue whether the injuries were work-related than to be obligated to prove it wasn’t a fraudulent claim.
Not reporting all injuries
All your injuries need to be reported after the accident. However minor and insignificant they may seem to you, it’s not a rare case that they develop into something more serious that requires treatment. If you fail to report all injuries and mention them later, it may seem like you’re trying to claim more than you’re entitled to.
Apart from pain and trauma, an injured worker should also be clear about any additional pain and suffering such as blurry vision, stomach issues, loss of motor functions or flu-like symptoms. When you talk to your doctor, they will tell you about your work status which includes general descriptions such as no work, work with restrictions, or light duty.
If the doctor says you can’t work, you will not have any income until your case is resolved. We recommend applying for pre-settlement funding which will help you stay financially stable while you await your settlement.
Not going back to work when able
The fourth mistake workers make is not returning to work when able. Individuals are often afraid that their employer may offer a lower wage or that their position isn’t suitable for them anymore. It’s suggested to either accept and try again or find another position that meets your safety needs.
Not hiring an attorney
Not hiring an attorney is one of the biggest mistakes you can make after your work injury. Florida’s workers’ compensation law is very complex which will require the representation of an experienced Attorney.
Give The Law Office of Dan Zohar PA a call and schedule a free consultation with personal injury attorney Dan Zohar. Don’t delay, call today at (800) 963-3311!