Reporting An Injury And Filing A Workers’ Compensation Claim
When you have been injured in a workplace accident, it is important that you immediately begin the process of filing for workers’ compensation. The more time that passes between the accident and filing, the harder it will become to receive all the benefits that you need and are entitled to.
As soon as you have been hurt, it is prudent to speak with a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer. At Parisi & Gerlanc, we provide free initial consultations, helping injured workers understand from the very beginning all that they are legally entitled to under workers’ compensation laws. We will guide individuals throughout Hackensack, Passaic County and surrounding areas through the steps to reporting and filing a workers’ compensation claim.
What Should You Do When Reporting An Injury And Filing A Workers’ Compensation Claim?
It is important that you notify your employer as soon as possible after an injury. Statutory notice is required in order to file a workers’ compensation claim. If you have not done so already, inform your supervisor now of the particulars of your accident or injury.
The employer is then required to provide you with the forms to file your injury. This paperwork often specifies how the injury occurred and includes medical information about how bad the injury is. If you are asked to sign a prewritten statement of any kind regarding an accident or your injuries, it would be best to have it reviewed by an attorney first.
Our attorneys will help you complete these forms. We have the medical background combined with focused legal understanding to make sure that your injury is accurately documented. Mistakes in the applications or a failure to fully convey how bad your injury is can lead to you being provided less than you need.
You will then submit the form to your employer, who must then fill out the employer section of the document. The company will then submit the application for approval. In order to protect yourself, keep copies of all communications between yourself and your company’s HR department.
Some people worry about creating a financial burden for their employer. The money for the claim will ultimately be paid from the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid During This Process?
Not getting medical care right away is another common error. Seeing a doctor immediately is important for protecting a worker’s health and documenting their injuries. Without this evidence, workers might have a hard time showing how bad the injury is and proving that it was related to their work, which can lead to reduced or denied benefits.
Not documenting the accident scene can be a big oversight. Workers should collect evidence from where the accident happened, like taking photos, getting witness statements and noting other details. This evidence is crucial, especially if the employer or insurance company questions how the injury happened. By gathering this information, workers can build a stronger case and have a better chance of getting the benefits they deserve. Avoiding these mistakes can help workers protect their rights and get the right compensation after a workplace injury.
Not calling an attorney when dealing with workers’ compensation claims can be a big mistake. Attorneys know how to handle the tricky legal system and understand the details of workers’ comp laws. An attorney can make sure workers avoid these and other common mistakes and get all the benefits they should. Also, if an employer or insurance company argues against the claim, an attorney can fight for the worker, improving the chances of a good outcome.
Get Help With Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Today
To schedule a free initial consultation with our New Jersey law firm, please contact us online or call 551-587-8915.