In 2020, there were 275 fatal workplace injuries in Florida. This doesn’t account for the mild and serious injuries, nor the workplace injuries that were never reported. Unfortunately, accidents happen all the time. However, if they occur at work, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your rights.
The steps you take and things you do after being involved in a workplace accident may make or break your ability to receive workers’ compensation benefits. What this means is if you don’t take the right steps, it could result in your claim being denied, or you may not receive the benefits you truly deserve.
At Sternberg Forsythe, P.A., we provide you with the resources and representation you need for your workers’ compensation claim.
Along with letting us help with the legal process, getting to know some of the most common mistakes can help you avoid them.
Not Reporting the Injury Right Away
To be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits, it’s important to report the injury to your employer. In Florida, you have 30 days from when the incident that caused the injury to report the situation. If you don’t report it within this deadline, you won’t be able to. While you can verbally report the accident and injury initially, it’s best to do it in writing, too. This provides tangible proof of when you reported the injury.
When reporting your workplace injury to your employer or supervisor, they must submit the injury report to their workers’ compensation insurance provider. However, you should never assume this will be done. Make sure to check in with them to ensure the paperwork was submitted. You can also request copies of all documentation related to your injury to keep for your records.
Not Getting Medical Attention
It’s important to go to a doctor right away for a professional medical diagnosis. This is an important part of receiving workers’ compensation benefits. While this is true, it’s a step that many people skip.
Sometimes, a workplace accident will cause evident and immediate injuries like head wounds or broken bones. In other cases, injuries may not show symptoms until hours, days, or even weeks later.
Having established medical records is essential to prove you were injured on the job. Your doctor is going to include information about how serious your injuries were, how they happened when they occurred, and where they happened. If you wait too long to receive medical treatment, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider may say there is no evidence that proves your injury occurred at work.
Even if you don’t feel like you have experienced an injury, it’s best to get medical attention and treatment right away. It’s always better to be safe and know everything is properly documented. This also ensures you get the medical treatment you need to reduce the potential of the injury getting worse.
Avoid Posting on Social Media About Your Injury
In the modern world, it’s difficult to find someone who doesn’t use social media in some way. Many people use these platforms regularly to remain connected with family and friends and just share their life online. However, if you are going through a workers’ compensation case, it’s best to think twice about what you post on social media.
Sometimes you may think you are posting something unrelated to your cases, such as a picture or post; however, the next thing you know, it is used against you. Even if the picture doesn’t show your injuries or you doing anything extremely strenuous, it can show you are living “normally.” If the insurance adjuster finds this photo, they may use it as evidence your injuries aren’t as bad as you claimed they were.
Remember, even when you have your social media profile set to private, nothing is untraceable once it is posted online. This is especially the case for a claims adjuster that is searching for something they can use to deny or reduce your benefits.
Contact Our Legal Team for Help with Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
If you are in the midst of a workers’ compensation claim, there are more than a few factors to keep in mind. Unfortunately, if you aren’t careful, you may make a mistake that will cost you in the long run. If you want the best possibility of a successful outcome and to get the benefits you deserve, let our legal team help. At Sternberg Forsythe, P.A., we are here to fight for your rights and ensure you are treated fairly throughout the duration of your claim. Contact us today to schedule a consultation so we can get started helping you.
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