Workers’ comp is designed to be a worker-friendly system for getting income replacement and medical benefits when you are injured and unable to work. You are not required to hire a lawyer to file a workers’ comp claim, and many people are able to get the benefits they need without one. Some claims are more complex than others, and even a simple mistake can jeopardize your claim. An experienced Raleigh workers’ comp attorney can guide you through the process and help you avoid some of the most common mistakes so that you get your benefits as quickly as possible.
Misreading the Form
To file a workers’ comp claim, you will have to fill out and submit the appropriate form to the North Carolina Industrial Commission. Even though the form is only one page long and instructions are available, it is written in legal terms that are less than straightforward for many people. As a result, it’s easy to misunderstand what information the form is asking for. As a result, an otherwise valid claim may be denied simply because the applicant misread the form. A Raleigh workers’ comp attorney can help you fill out the form correctly the first time so that there is no delay in receiving your benefits.
Underreporting Your Injury
Another common mistake is when people fail to report the full extent of their injuries when filing their claims. Here are a couple of common underreporting scenarios:
- Janet is injured in an accident at work, resulting in a dislocated shoulder and a sprained wrist. Because the shoulder is far more painful, Janet focuses on that injury and inadvertently forgets to mention the sprained wrist when filing her claim.
- William is injured in the same accident, resulting in a broken arm and pain in his lower back. William reports the broken arm when filing for workers comp, but does not report his lower back injury because he thinks it will heal quickly and it isn’t causing that much pain.
In both cases, the applicants are underreporting their injuries. If the unreported injuries continue to hurt or become worse in the following weeks, it is likely that subsequent workers’ comp claims will be denied since they did not report the injuries as a part of the original claim.
Not Reporting Your Injury to Your Employer
Many people choose not to report their injuries at all. It could be that they don’t think the injury is that serious, are worried about losing their job, or simply don’t want to be a bother to their employer. Whatever the reason, failing to promptly report your injury could be problematic if you attempt to pursue a claim later on.
Speak with a Raleigh Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today
It is critical that injured workers get the benefits they need quickly and cost-effectively. If you have been injured on the job and are unable to work, a Raleigh workers’ comp lawyer from Martin & Jones can answer your questions and guide you through the process. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-662-1234 or fill out our online contact form
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