Share:

From repetitive stress injuries to slip and falls, there are various ways people get hurt while performing work-related duties. If you were injured on the job, it's best to reach out to a workers' compensation lawyer for guidance. Not only will they help you file a claim for benefits, but they will also provide guidance on what you should do to increase the odds your claim is approved. Here are a few tips to follow when filing a claim. 

4 Steps to Follow After a Workplace Injury

1. Report the Injury Immediately

Each state has specific deadlines for how long someone can wait to report an injury to their employer. In Illinois, for example, injured workers have 45 days from the date of the injury to notify their employer orally or in writing. You should tell your boss about what happened as soon as possible, as missing the deadline could forfeit workers' compensation benefits. There is also a statute of limitations to file any paperwork, which is three years in Illinois. 

2. Seek Medical Attention

workers' compensation lawyer

Your employer might tell you which doctor to contact for treatment or let you choose a health care provider. Reach out for an appointment as soon as possible, as the medical report will serve as the first piece of evidence to support any claims. You should also follow the doctor's treatment plan and any other instructions. Otherwise, the workers' compensation insurer might falsely believe the injuries are not as serious as you allege they are. 

3. Avoid Social Media

Whether you use Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, social media provides a convenient way to get information and connect with others. However, after an accident, the insurance company's attorney could sort through your posts, looking for any pictures or comments that could arouse suspicion. If you post pictures of yourself swimming or doing any other physical activities, for example, they might argue you are not as hurt as you claim to be.  Therefore, it's often best to avoid posting anything until after everything has been settled.

4. Hire a Lawyer

It's often an insurer's objective to protect their bottom line, so they typically offer low settlements to claimants. By accepting the initial offer, you legally forfeit your right to sue them or request more money to cover ongoing and future medical costs. To increase the odds of a fair settlement amount, it's best to hire a skilled workers' compensation lawyer to negotiate on your behalf. They have experience working with workplace claims and know how much compensation is generally expected for injuries similar to yours.

 

Regardless of how you got injured on the job, the workers' compensation lawyer at Skinner & Associates LLC in Galesburg, IL, will fight for your right to a fair settlement. With over 20 years of experience, attorney Jim Skinner represents clients throughout central Illinois during workers' compensation, personal injury, and wrongful death claims. Learn more about the process to apply for workers' compensation online, and call (309) 343-9964 for a free initial consultation. 

tracking