Workers' Compensation: What Factors Can Affect Your Claim Success?
There are numerous hazards in workplaces, so it is not uncommon for employees to suffer injuries or work-related diseases and disorders. If you have sustained physical damage because of your work, you should present a claim for compensation. Work-related conditions can be expensive to manage, and they might affect your earning power. The providence of compensation will make treatment and the recovery process easier. On the other hand, you should note that there are some factors which can affect or compromise the success of your claim. Understanding these elements can prevent rejection and subsequent problems:
Lack of Medical Care
When you sustain an injury in the workplace or realise that you have an occupational disease, it is important to visit a licensed medical practitioner for treatment. Doctors are consulted before actual compensation, and they are required to provide details on your condition. This practice prevents fraudulent claims. If the practitioner is unaware of the cause of your injury, they will not corroborate your story or provide a certificate confirming that the problem is work-related. Therefore, you should get medical attention as soon as possible. Inform the doctor that the condition is work-related as well as the details of the events leading up to your condition.
Time Constraints
Another reason for compensation claim rejection is the failure to comply with the time constraints set in the workers' compensation laws and regulations. You will not find legislation to be very forgiving because you had problems which prevented timely filing. You should present your claim as soon as practicable after the injury or discovery of the work-related disease. The maximum time limit will depend on your region or territory of residence.
Legal Statements
You should not be quick to provide legal statements to the workers' compensation claims investigator. Often, workers provide information assuming that they are required to, or the details will help them. However, you should remember that the investigator wants to confirm the veracity of your claim. If they find any inconsistency in your story, you could lose your case. Therefore, you should remember that you are not under legal obligation to give the investigator a statement. You can only take action on your volition. Even if you have nothing to hide, avoid taking any action without legal counsel.
When dealing with workers' compensation claims after injury or due to disease, you should consult a specialist lawyer for guidance. The case can become complicated, so an experienced can help you ensure that you are successful.
Contact workers' compensation lawyers near you for more information and assistance.
