5 Reasons Why People Don’t File A Work Claim Even Though They Should

Every year, thousands of injured workers opt not to file for workers’ compensation even though they have a perfectly valid claim. But why are so many people reluctant to file a claim despite the fact that they could easily collect compensation? In today’s blog, we look at five common reasons why people elect not to file for workers’ compensation, and why you shouldn’t use these reasons as justification for not making a claim.

Why Injured Workers Don’t File A Claim

In our experience, these are some of the most common reasons why someone elects not to follow through on an injury claim even though they have a valid claim.

1. It’s Too Complex – Many people don’t want to fill out all the paperwork that’s associated with their claim and work to build a strong case. You don’t have to worry about doing any of that if you trust your claim to a workers’ compensation attorney.

2. The Don’t Want To Pay For A Lawyer – We understand that you don’t want to pay for a lawyer and incur more expenses, but that’s not really how it works with a workers’ compensation lawyer. Instead of getting charged for billable hours like you would with a criminal defense lawyer, the majority of injury attorneys work on a contingency fee, meaning they only get a fraction of your award in the event you win. This is great for the workers, because the more money they get you, the more the lawyer takes home. It’s a win-win.

3. They Don’t Know Where To Start – Things get easier once the wheels are in motion, but many people feel overwhelmed from the start, so they just elect not to even begin. Again, it’s fine to feel overwhelmed after an injury, but don’t let it negatively affect your financial situation. Outsource all the stress and paperwork to a lawyer who will be more than happy to build your case.

4. They Think They Don’t Have A Case – Some people mistakenly believe that they don’t have a legitimate case when in fact they do. For example, even if you cause your own injuries, you can still collect compensation (unless you intentionally caused your injuries). If your boss or their insurance company tells you that you don’t have a claim, don’t just take them at their word. At a minimum, run your situation by a professional who has your best interests in mind.

5. They Are Afraid Of Backlash – Finally, some people elect not to file because they fear repercussions from their employer. However, it is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee who files for workers’ compensation. If it happens, you may be able to file another lawsuit based on their actions. Don’t let fear of recourse stop you from getting what you’re owed.

Don’t let any of the above reasons deter you from filing for workers’ compensation. And if you have any questions or want more information from a professional about your options, reach out to Dean and the team at Margolis Law Office today.