What Injured Workers Wish They Could Have Done Differently About Their Claim

Like almost anything in life, you’re better off the second time you try something than your first time. With experience comes knowledge, and we learn and adapt based on previous results. Thankfully, most people have never been injured at work or needed to file a workers’ compensation claim, but that also works against you when you do need to file a claim because you aren’t familiar with the system.

That being said, we do have the ability to see what other people are saying about their injury claim experience, including what they would do differently if they could go back in time. By listening to their mistakes, you can help avoid the same issues if you ever need to file a claim. Below, we take a look at some things injured workers wish they would have done differently during their workers’ compensation claims process.

Work Comp Pitfalls To Avoid

The following information comes from a survey of injured workers who went through the compensation claims process. Here’s what they were unsatisfied with, and what they wish they could have done differently.

Low Compensation Awards – The most common complaint from injured workers was that they felt that their compensation award was too low or didn’t fully account for the extent of their injuries. As we’ve suggested on another blog, research has shown that hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer can lead to bigger settlement awards, so if you want to maximize your award, consider hiring an attorney.

Poor Medical Treatment – Another common complaint was that the injured parties felt like they received inadequate medical treatment for their injuries. In Minnesota, you have the right to choose your medical doctor, so don’t feel pressured into going to a doctor recommended by your employer. In fact, you can increase your likelihood of being satisfied with your medical treatment by asking your lawyer for some doctors they have worked with in the past who have provided great care.

Biased Claims System – It’s not easy for the average worker to win a claim award on their own, and in many ways the deck is stacked against the employee. The insurance company has professionals on their side, and they are hoping you’ll try to come at them without a professional in your corner. An attorney can help you get a fairer shake, but many people still felt like the insurance company held too much power throughout the process.

Not Reporting The Injury Right Away – Some workers try to push through the pain, while others hope the problem will resolve in a few days, so they don’t report the injury right away. When you report the injury later, this can raise red flags with insurance companies who may suspect that the injury didn’t happen at work. Many individuals whose claim was denied in part because they waited to report their injury say they wish they would have reported the injury the same day as it occurred.

Poor Record Keeping – Finally, a number of injured workers say they wish they would have kept more detailed records of events related to their injury claim. This way they have an easy reference guide if they are asked about what type of medical care they received or when they called the insurance company. If you’re going through a claims process for the first time, make sure you keep detailed records and copies of anything pertaining to your case.

For more information on how to put yourself in the best position to win a compensation claim, contact Dean Margolis today.