Hoping For A Workers' Comp Settlement? Here Are Some Things You Should Watch Out For
You might be at home recovering from injuries you received at work and thinking about whether you want to file for financial compensation from your company through a worker's compensation claim. This can be a good way to take care of your medical and other bills, but be aware that there are some things you've got to watch out for along the way. Here are a few of them.
Deadlines
By the time you decide that you want to file a claim, the clock has already started ticking on the deadlines you need to observe in order to even be eligible for a settlement of any kind. For one thing, there is the state deadline to think about, which varies depending on where you live.
There may also be an internal company deadline for filing your workers' comp claim. To find out what this deadline is, it is vital that you consult the company's Human Resources Department. Your co-workers and your supervisors might think they know how long you have to file your claim, but in order to be sure that you're still able to file, the HR department is the most reliable source for the information.
Investigators
You might consider yourself an honest person and think you have filled out the workers' comp paperwork properly, but be aware that the company's insurance provider will investigate everything you claim. In fact, they may hire investigators to talk to co-workers and others to find out if your injuries are indeed affecting your life. The investigators might even look up your activity on the internet to see what you're up to.
To protect yourself, avoid talking about your claim if possible. Follow the recommendations of your physician and don't do activities that your doctor has forbid. Don't post photos or status updates on your social media profiles that conflict with your claim.
First Settlement Offer
Your company's insurance carrier may offer you a settlement after some time. You might be excited and pleased that the insurance company is willing to settle with you, and you might feel inclined to take their offer.
Because you are not familiar with the process, you might not realize that the offer could be too low. It is important to avoid giving an answer right away, so that you can think about whether the offer is appropriate for you. Does it cover the costs of your medical bills? Does their offer cover any lost wages? After asking yourself those questions, it might be a smart idea to consult a lawyer with experience in these kinds of claims so that they can provide guidance. You very well may be able to resist that initial settlement offer and get a better deal.
Filing for a workers' compensation claim can present some challenges, but if you pay attention to the information in this article, you'll be able to make good decisions about how to move forward. Meet with your attorney, such as Gilbert, Blaszcyk & Milburn LLP, on a regular basis so you can feel confident about receiving a decent settlement.
Share
