If you experience an accident at work, you must take steps that allow you to file a workers’ compensation claim timely and effectively. The quicker you act, the more you can benefit your claim. However, far too often, injured workers make minimal mistakes or overlook specific steps, opening the door for insurance adjusters to deny their claims.
Below, we’ll break down the vital steps you should take to protect yourself after a workplace accident.
Report Your Accident
Make sure you report the accident to your supervisor as soon as you possibly can. Your employer should know how the accident occurred, who was present, the time and date, and any other pertinent details. The more information you provide to support your claim that your injuries occurred at work, the better.
Get Medical Care
Put your health as your top priority, making sure you get medical treatment soon after your injury. It’s crucial to receive an accurate diagnosis, begin your treatment, and work towards recovery. Sticking to a doctor’s orders can also help your claim, showing that you’re doing everything possible to improve.
Hire a Lawyer
Even though your employer may offer workers’ comp insurance, it’s not always likely that adjusters will work with you. If an insurance adjuster puts profits over your injuries, you need to have legal counsel on your side, guiding you towards the most successful resolution possible. A lawyer can help you avoid many of the common pitfalls that lead to claim denials.
File Your Claim
You can request paperwork from your employer to file your workers’ compensation claim. Work with a lawyer during this process to ensure you include all accurate and relevant information. A lawyer can also be helpful if insurance adjusters deny your initial claim.
Our Des Moines workers’ compensation lawyers at LaMarca Law Group, P.C. are ready to help you. If you need to file a claim, we’ll stand by your side every step of the way, giving you the voice you need to feel confident as you pursue the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.