After a workplace injury, it can be tough to make ends meet if you haven’t got worker’s compensation benefits to support you. Unfortunately, many injured workers make simple yet costly mistakes during the process which can weaken their side and result in an unfavorable outcome. If you suffer an injury at work, you must fully understand your legal rights. Here is a guide on how to maximize your chances of winning your case.
File Your Claim Immediately
Once you’ve suffered an on-the-job injury, it’s vital you file your injury claim as soon as possible before hiring a workers compensation lawyer. While the state of Pennsylvania allows claims to be filed within a two-year timeframe of the accident, it’s advised to get the ball rolling sooner rather than later. When filing your injury claim, be careful of what you include, as you don’t want to provide inaccurate information or make mistakes that come back to bite you later down the line.
Obtain Witness Statements
If there were other workers present when the accident took place, you must obtain written witness statements to strengthen your side of the argument. Without them, your employer may try to imply that your injuries happened because of your own neglect or carelessness, rather than operating in hazardous work conditions. Having people who witnessed the accident and who will stand by you will go hugely in your favor. Whatever you do, make sure that all statements are written, rather than verbal. This is because memory of facts could fade or change along the way.
Seek Medical Treatment
The claims process for workers’ compensation is notoriously lengthy so, while you wait for the claim to finalize or be settled, you should seek medical treatment. No matter what, your health should always come before anything else, so whether you believe you’ve only suffered minor cuts or not, it’s best to get checked out to be on the safe side. Once you are seen by a doctor or nurse and have a treatment plan in place, you can obtain your medical records and use them as evidence in your case.
Keep Detailed Records
Alongside obtaining your medical records, you should consider using a diary to outline your experience in the aftermath of your workplace accident. As mentioned, memories can fade, so having everything written down right away will ensure you don’t forget anything important. What’s more, your journal could be used as evidence.
Hire an Expert Lawyer
If your workers’ compensation claim is straightforward and the insurance company pays your claim, you may not need a lawyer. However, if they deny or reduce your benefits, it may be time to seek legal assistance. Finding an attorney with extensive knowledge of the field to represent you will help maximize your chances of winning your claim.
After a workplace injury, your wounds can have far-reaching consequences. You can never be certain how your injuries will affect you going forward, which is why you need to do what you can to not only win your case but ensure you get the maximum compensation you can. All the advice above will strengthen your chances of winning your workers’ compensation claim.