If you get hurt while working, It’s likely you are entitled to collect benefits from workers’ compensation. However, just like other insurance providers, workers’ comp insurance companies will be looking for ways to avoid paying the full value of your claim. Here are some good rules to follow in order to make sure you receive the full Florida workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to.
Be Quick In Reporting Your Injuries
The sooner you report any injuries you’ve sustained as a result of your job duties, the better. Be sure to report your injury as soon as possible, and preferably within 48 hours. Failure to report an injury in a timely manner may result in the insurance company may deny your claim. Even if you think there is a slim chance your injury will result in you not making it to work, be sure to report it to your supervisor immediately just to be safe.
Gather Witness Names
Be sure to collect the contact information of any possible witness to your work-related accident. If it’s a close case, witnesses might be necessary to prove that you were indeed injured at work and not somewhere else.
Get Necessary Treatment
Do not wait to receive medical treatment in an emergency situation – go straight to an ER or walk-in clinic, or ask to be taken to one. Otherwise, immediately make an appointment to see your doctor. If you do not seek medical attention immediately, an insurer may use that against you to make your claim weaker, as a truly hurt person would seek attention right away.
Describe How You Got Hurt Accurately
In order to receive Florida workers’ compensation benefits, you must be able to describe your accident and subsequent injury or injuries accurately, which needs to be reflected in your medical records. Make sure you clearly explain to your health care providers what happened, and be sure to mention that it happened while you were working. And don’t feel the need to tell them more than the basics; the simpler the information you give them, the more likely they are to record it accurately.
Also, make sure all of your statements about your accident and injury are consistent with one another. And when talking to the insurance company, do not give a statement in recorded form without first talking with your lawyer.
Accurately Fill Out Forms
File your accident report forms in a timely manner, and accurately. Of course, do not fill them out if you are unwell or too medicated to give them the attention they need – wait until you are feeling better and can concentrate.
Authorize Insurer Access To Your Medical Records
Should the insurer ask for a limited medical authorization, that is okay to sign. However, be sure to give them authorization to only access medical records and bills specifically related to your work injury.
Find a Florida Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you’ve been injured while on the job, it may be best to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to help you receive all the benefits you are entitled to. Call us at Disparti Law Group today if you’ve been injured at work.
