Hiring an experienced Tampa workers comp lawyer is the best way of ensuring that your claim will be approved. Getting the best workers compensation settlement depends not only on your attorney but also on your own actions.
So read on to discover the most effective tips to make sure you get all the benefits you deserve.
1. Report Your Accident to the Employer Immediately
Although the law gives you 30 days to report a work injury to an employer, you should do it as soon as possible. It is enough to tell a supervisor or ask a co-worker to call someone from the HR department to the accident site.
There are many reasons for notifying your employer promptly:
- The employer will administer a drug test – if you report the accident several days later, they will claim you were trying to get drugs out of your system.
- There can be no doubt that the accident happened during your work schedule.
- There is no way your employer can accuse you of faking the accident.
Any delays on your part will look suspicious and, even if your claim is not denied, it will settle for a lower amount.
2. Document Everything
When you file a workers comp claim, you will deal with an insurance company, not your employer. They will not believe anything you say without evidence. Thus, leave nothing undocumented, from the accident scene to your visit to the first ER or hospital to get checked by a doctor.
Some of the things you must remember to do are:
- Take photos of the accident scene and save them with a timestamp to prove the moment of the accident.
- Do not delay seeking medical attention.
- Keep all your medical records in proper order.
- Try to obtain statements from coworkers who saw the accident happening.
3. Fill in the Paperwork Accurately
You should consult with a Tampa workers comp lawyer as soon as possible after the workplace accident so that they can help you with paperwork. Once you report the accident to your employer, they must send you the First Report of Injury or Illness to fill in and submit.
The report must be free from mistakes or inaccuracies. Unfortunately, simple clerical errors result in denied claims or reduced workers compensation settlements. For this reason, you should have an attorney by your side to assist you while you fill in the form.
4. Submit to the Independent Medical Examination
After you file a workers comp claim, the insurance adjuster has the right to seek a second opinion on your injuries and how they impact your ability to work. This is called the independent medical examination.
It is compulsory to attend this examination and to be cooperative with the doctor. Their findings and observations will influence the insurer’s decision regarding your claim. If you believe the independent exam doctor was unfair, tell your attorney and let them handle the situation.
5. Follow the Workers Comp Doctor’s Advice
One of the downsides of getting medical treatment through the workers comp system is that you cannot choose your doctor – at least until your lawyer manages to obtain a final workers compensation settlement.
In the meantime, follow the doctor’s examinations to the letter:
- Take medications.
- Avoid activities that are incompatible with your injuries.
- Attend follow-up appointments.
If you experience negative side effects from any medication, inform the workers comp doctor immediately. But do not interrupt your treatment or try taking other medications at other doctors’ advice. This will be interpreted as a failure to mitigate your injuries and can hurt your settlement.
Consult with a Skilled Tampa Workers Comp Lawyer!
The workers comp settlement you get depends a lot on two things: how you act after your workplace accident and the experience of your Tampa workers comp lawyer. We promise that we will fight for the maximum settlement you are entitled to get.
All you have to do is follow these tips and reach out to us as soon as possible after your work injury. We offer each new client a free case review, so call us today at 954-324-COMP!
