The biggest reason to report your injury immediately is because you risk a denial. The longer you wait to report your claim, the greater your chances are for a denial. It is always better to let your employer know right away if you have been hurt, even if you think the injury is relatively minor at the time. It could get worse, and you need a clear record of when the injury actually occurred to file for workers’ compensation.
You should also report your claim immediately because:
1. Some courts or attorneys may think that if you did not complain of the injury right away then you are not really hurt.
2. There may be time restrictions on when you can file your workers’ compensation claims. In Florida, you have two years after the date of the accident to file your workers’ compensation claim, but you only have thirty days after the injury to report the claim.
3. You want your immediate medical records and your injury report to say the same things at the same times to show that even a medical expert thinks that you are actually injured.
4. Sometimes employers will fire a worker who can no longer perform the tasks of their job after an injury. You cannot file workers’ compensation after you have lost your job, and workers’ compensation gives you some protection to prevent this type of negative employer action. The possibility of being laid off would also cut your ability to file a claim short.
5. The sooner you report your injury, the sooner you can get medical treatment. Your doctor may take you off work, which also allows you to get payments while you are recovering. Reporting your accident sooner gets this process moving right away.
If you have been involved in a work-related accident, tell your employer as soon as possible and seek medical attention.
How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help
Getting an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can be an invaluable resource because he can help you fill out your claim and walk you through the claims process. He can also help you if your claim has been denied.
Your attorney can help to make sure you are getting all of the benefits that you deserve including:
- Medical benefits
- Lost wages for either Temporary Total Disability or Temporary Partial Disability
- Death benefits (if you are a loved one)
- Impairment benefits
- Permanent Total Disability Benefits if you are completely unable to return to work
Call Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A. at 561-687-5660 for a free consultation about your Florida workers’ compensation claim.
Related Links: