Filing for workers' compensation benefits is something many employees take lightly. If you have been injured at work, it is your right to seek compensation for your injuries. Ensure you contact a workers' compensation attorney to help you navigate the claims process. Here are some myths about workers' compensation you need to beware of before consulting an attorney.
You Cannot File a Claim If the Accident and Injury Were Your Fault
If an accident is your fault, you may still be eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits. This is because workers' comp is "no-fault." This means if you are seriously injured while working, regardless of who is to blame, you can file a claim.
One exception to this rule is if you were intoxicated when the accident happened. Also, if you are filing a claim for a mental illness injury, it is difficult to determine how the illness happened on the job. In this case, you may not be compensated. If you are in doubt, consult a workers' compensation attorney for clarification.
Only Severe Injuries Qualify
Many people fear making workers' compensation claims because they have sustained minor injuries. However, workers' comp doesn't only apply to serious injuries.
Furthermore, you can file a claim even though your injuries were not caused by negligence. For instance, if you were injured in a safe working environment, you can still be compensated for your injuries.
You Can Wait to See Whether You Will Get Better
If you are injured at work, you shouldn't hesitate to report your accident. There are strict statutory limitations for workers' compensation claims. Ask your workers' compensation attorney about the time limits for filing injury claims in your state.
Failing to file a workers' compensation claim within the required timeline will render your case null and void. You need to report the incident to your employer. After filing a report with your employer, they will instruct you where to go for medical treatment. You have a limited period from the time of your injury to the time you last received treatment to file a claim.
You Cannot Go to Your Doctor for Treatment After a Work-Related Injury
After a work-related accident, your employer will require you to visit a doctor of their choice for evaluation. After this one-time evaluation, you are free to choose your own doctor. The exception to this rule applies to self-insured employers. These employers normally contract with specific medical providers. In this case, you will be required to choose a medical provider from a list of physicians. To learn more, contact a workers' compensation lawyer.
