3 Mistakes To Avoid During Your Workers' Compensation Case
If you're in the middle of a workers' compensation case, you may be worried that your claim will be denied. To ensure the best outcome possible, it's best to work with an experienced workers' compensation attorney and avoid the three common mistakes listed below.
1. Not Following Doctor's Orders
When you've suffered an injury, it's always advisable to follow the guidelines that your doctor sets for you. During a workers' compensation case, however, failing to follow your doctor's orders could do more than cause permanent injury; it could also cause you to lose your case.
If your employer is fighting your claim, you don't want to give them and their attorney any reason to believe you aren't as injured as you originally claimed. People heal at different rates, but even if you feel up to returning to work or resuming your regular physical activities, it's best to lie low until your case has been settled. This doesn't mean you should act more injured than you truly are, but unfortunately, your claim will be heavily scrutinized, even when a doctor's original assessment corroborated your claimed injuries.
2. Discussing Your Case Publicly
While your workers' compensation claim is still being processed and results are pending, it's important to keep details of the case between yourself and your attorney.
This is especially important to remember if your employer is fighting your claim, as things you say may get back to them and may be used against you during the case. So to ensure that your claim isn't compromised, it's best to keep all details of your case from your friends, non-immediate family members, and coworkers, as well as off of your social media pages.
3. Talking with the Workers' Compensation Insurer Without Your Attorney's Guidance
For a number of reasons, mostly monetary, your employer's workers' compensation insurer may try to goad you into a lowball settlement. To ensure that you get the amount you deserve, it's important to never speak with the insurers without your attorney's advice and consent.
If your employer's insurer approaches you, it's always best to refer them back to your attorney. When you work with an experienced workers' compensation attorney, they'll be much better able to navigate the insurer's offers and communications than you.
To learn more about the workers' compensation process and what you should expect during a workers' compensation case, consult with a workers' compensation attorney immediately.