Mistakes to Avoid After a Workplace Injury

Most employees are covered by workers’ compensation, a no-fault insurance that provides benefits that cover medical expenses and lost wages in exchange for the injured worker not filing a lawsuit against their employer. Though this benefit was originally designed to make the process easier on both the worker and the employee, over the years it has become a situation that can be fraught with animosity as employers or their insurers deny coverage and argue against the extent of the damages that have been suffered. If you have been injured on the job and you are eligible for workers’ compensation, there are certain steps you need to follow, deadlines you need to meet, and mistakes you need to avoid to strengthen your chances of getting the benefits you deserve. The attorneys at the Lancaster law firm of Vanasse Law are dedicated legal advocates who are committed to making sure you get the benefits that you deserve. Contact us as soon as possible after a workplace injury takes place in order to preserve your rights.

There are a number of mistakes that can lead to an injured worker not getting the benefits that they deserve for their workplace injury. These include:

• Not reporting their injury to their supervisor or workplace. Pennsylvania law requires that you notify your employer of your injury within 21 days after it occurs, or at the latest within 120 days.
• Attempting to make your injuries worse then they actually are. There is no need to embellish your symptoms or damages, and doing so can jeopardize your case.
• Not using the company’s doctor if the employer has created a list of at least six physicians and has provided you with written notification of that list, and you have acknowledged that you’ve received it.
• Failing to obey the doctor’s orders, whether going back to work when they say that you are able to or working beyond what the restrictions that they impose.
• Failing to report other income that you received while you are out of work. This can impact the benefits you receive.
• Failing to respond to notifications that you receive from the Workers’ Compensation Board
• Posting photos of yourself on social media, enjoying yourself or involved in strenuous activities. If you are claiming that your injury has had a negative impact on your life, you do not want to publicize anything that would contradict your testimony.
• Signing any kind of release with your company or insurance company without consulting with an attorney.

Though there is no requirement that you use an attorney when you file a workers’ compensation claim, having a qualified and knowledgeable lawyer acting on your behalf is one of the best things you can do to ensure that you get the benefits that you deserve. A lawyer will make sure that you are in compliance with all of the workers’ compensation laws’ requirements, that all of your documents are in order, and that you avoid the mistakes that can jeopardize your ability to get your compensation. The lawyers at Vanasse Law are here and ready to help.