Workers’ Comp: Tips for Your Claims Process

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If you are ever injured on the job, then you may be entitled to certain benefits. Those employees who qualify for worker’s compensation benefits can typically have their medical expenses and lost wages taken care of by filing a worker’s compensation claim. They may also qualify for regular payments if a permanent disability results from the accident or injury. Furthermore, if the injury makes it impossible for a person to return to his or her former job, worker’s compensation typically covers the cost of retraining for a new job. Unfortunately, however, getting the worker’s compensation benefits to which you are entitled isn’t always as easy as it should be. As such, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to take advantage of your worker’s compensation benefits, getting assistance from workers compensation lawyers in Oklahoma is wise. You may also find it beneficial to keep the following tips in mind: 1. Know That You May Be Under Investigation Like most people, you probably believe that your employer trusts you. No matter how much your employer trusts you, however, chances are that he’s looking out for number one. When a worker’s compensation claim is filed, an employer’s insurance premiums increase, especially when the claim is an expensive one. To protect themselves from paying high premiums unfairly, employers will often have claiming employees investigated. Investigations are typically performed by the insurance company or a private agency and are designed to “catch” employees who have been dishonest or who appear to have been dishonest about the extent of their on-the-job injuries. If, for example, a person who claims to have broken his leg is founding skiing or going for a run, the investigator would report this behavior. Then, it would be used to keep the claim from being successful. As such, it’s important to be 100% honest about your injuries and their severity and to remember that you may just be being watched! 2. Time is of the Essence When you’re first injured on the job, it’s normal to go through a period of shock and adjustment. Don’t let that shock and adjustment go so far as to keep you from “taking care of business,” however. Worker’s compensation claims typically have to be filed within one month or less after your on-the-job injury. If they are not, your claim may be automatically denied. Obviously, injuries can sometimes take awhile to reveal their severity, so report even the most minor work injuries to your employer so that they are on file. 3. Sign a Medical Release When you’ve been injured, signing a document is probably the last thing on your mind. You may even be scared to sign something, not knowing what you are agreeing to or if you’re signing your rights away. And, while it’s typically good practice to avoid signing anything without having a lawyer look it over, don’t hesitate to sign a medical release form if your employer gives you one. Signing this form will not impact your rights in any way. All it will do is allow the insurance company access to your medical records related to the injury. When these records are easily accessed, they can expedite the claims process and allow you to get your benefits sooner, so signing the form definitely works for, rather than against, you. 4. Your Claim May Be Denied Initially Not every claim will be approved right away. However, if your worker’s compensation claim is denied, know your rights. You must receive the denial and the reason for the denial in writing. You also have the opportunity to try again to receive your claim. Getting a claim honored after a denial is tricky, though, and it is at this point that you should definitely seek the help of a lawyer if you haven’t done so already. 5. Witnesses Matter When you’ve been injured, it can be hard to remember details surrounding the injury and what took place. Try your best, however, to remember who you were with at the time of your injury and who might have witnessed the whole thing. Witness testimony can be extremely beneficial in proving a claim and ensuring you get the benefits you deserve. As long as you keep these helpful tips in mind and work with a qualified workers compensation lawyer, you stand a great chance of receiving the benefits to which you are entitled.