When someone suffers a job injury, they must know what to do and what not to do. Common mistakes can often decrease the potential settlement or benefits someone may receive. Here are the top five mistakes people make after being injured on the job.
The most common mistake is not reporting your accident to your employer immediately. In Pennsylvania, workers’ compensation laws require an injured person to report it to their employer within 120 days from the date of the injury.
Do not wait to report an injury or job-related illness. Doing it quickly is the best way to safeguard your benefits. If you need legal assistance with your workers’ compensation claim, consider consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney.
The second most common mistake injured workers make is failing to disclose any previous work injuries. Any failure to report a past incident could result in losing your compensation completely. It is also possible that you may even face repayment of workers’ compensation monies already received.
The third most common mistake is failing to report all of your injuries. For example, if you fall and hurt your leg but also experience back pain, be sure to report both types of symptoms. Failure to report secondary injuries sooner rather than later will make it look like you are trying to claim more than you are entitled to.
The fourth big mistake is refusing to return to work when fully recovered. Failure to accept the available position can be considered a voluntary loss of income. Your employer can terminate you for your ‘refusal to work.’
You must at least attempt to perform the duties of the position offered to show that those duties are beyond your restrictions.
The fifth mistake made by workplace-injured victims is thinking they can handle the case independently without legal representation. While you are certainly allowed to represent yourself, it is highly discouraged.
Workers’ comp laws are far more complicated than you may think. It will be best to find a workplace injury attorney with the experience and knowledge to represent your interests properly.
Many injured workers fail to understand the basics of Pennsylvania's Workers’ Compensation Act. A severe work injury or illness leaves you no time to learn the law or to manage your case alone. Focusing on your health and recovery, or grief in a time of loss, takes priority over your legal paperwork.
Depending upon your case, a lawyer may need to interview witnesses, review photos, or conduct other research into your accident or illness. These actions, while often necessary, take time. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the faster they can get to work fighting for your workers’ compensation benefits.
Workers’ compensation generally includes such benefits as:
Sadly, some workplace injuries or illnesses are fatal. The loss of a close loved one is not only heartbreaking, but it can cause financial hardship. Lost wages due to a workplace injury or illness add to a grieving family’s stress.
You may not realize that death benefits are possible under state law. A Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorney can review your case to determine if you qualify for benefits.
Workers’ compensation is paid through private insurance companies, the State Workers’ Insurance Fund, or by self-employed insurers. Nearly every employee within the state is covered by law.
Remember, insurance fraud is a crime. To protect your best interests, it is best to secure the help of a knowledgeable attorney. Avoiding mistakes and ensuring the best outcome possible for your case is crucial.
There is no room for error or time to waste regarding workplace injuries, illness, or death. Seek help from a Philadelphia workplace injury lawyer as soon as possible. Free consultations are available; call today.
No matter how careful you are at work, it takes just one careless coworker or unsafe working condition to change your life forever. A workplace injury or illness impacts your quality of life by affecting your physical and emotional health and your finances.
Workers’ compensation laws exist for a reason. Designed to help those injured on the job, these laws are complex and challenging for most to understand. Significant injuries or a sudden loss leave victims with no time to learn labor laws or to fight for what they deserve. If you suffered severe on-the-job harm or lost a close loved one, contacting The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia can ease your mind.
Gather your documentation — including medical records — and contact The Cochran Firm today. Our reputation is second to none as we help victims of injustice.
If you have suffered an injury on the job and need legal representation, contact The Cochran Firm Philadelphia today at 1-800-969-4400.
