You may wonder how to get better compensation if you’ve been injured on the job. The good news is that, to improve your chances of getting the money you deserve, there are certain things you can do. This blog post discusses tips for getting fair compensation after a work-related injury. Keep reading to learn more.
Get an independent medical exam
When you are injured on the job, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company will likely want you to see a doctor they recommend. However, you can get a second opinion from an independent doctor. This can be important because the insurance company’s doctor may not be as unbiased as you would like. In case you are unaware, the definition of an IME is an examination by a physician not previously involved in the worker’s treatment to determine the extent of a worker’s injuries and whether they are work-related. An IME can help you in a few ways. First, it can give you a more accurate diagnosis of your injuries. Second, it can provide more documentation to support your workers’ compensation benefits claim.
Do your research
Before you file a workers’ compensation claim, it’s essential to do your research. You should know what benefits you are entitled to and how the claims process works. This way, you will most likely get the best possible outcome for your case. You can find a lot of this information online, or you can ask an attorney for help. For instance, one benefit you may be entitled to be temporary disability benefits. These benefits can help you make ends meet while you cannot work due to your injuries. However, not all states offer these benefits. So, it’s essential to find out if your state does before you file a claim.
Submit a detailed claim
When filing a workers’ compensation claim, it’s essential to be as detailed as possible. You should include all of your injuries, both physical and mental, as well as the dates on which they occurred. You should also monitor all your medical appointments and expenses. To do this, you can create a folder or binder where you keep all of your documentation. This will help your claim processing become quicker and more efficient. You can also use this folder to keep track of any correspondence you have with your employer or the workers’ compensation insurance company. The more details you provide, the better your chances of getting fair compensation.
Have multiple estimates
If your injury requires you to miss work and incur medical expenses, you must submit these costs to the workers’ compensation insurance company. The insurance company may try to lowball you on your reimbursement, so getting multiple estimates is essential. This way, you can show the insurance company that you are not overcharging them. For instance, if you need to miss work for two weeks and your medical bills come to $1,000, the insurance company may only offer to reimburse you $500. However, if you have a second estimate that puts your lost wages at $1,500 and your medical bills at $2,000, the insurance company will be more likely to give you a fair settlement.
Consult a lawyer
You may consider hiring a lawyer if you’ve been injured on the job. A lawyer can help you navigate the workers’ compensation system and ensure you get the benefits you deserve. In addition, a lawyer can help you if your employer tries to retaliate against you for filing a claim. If you think you need a lawyer, you can find one by searching online or asking for referrals from friends or family members.
Appeal if necessary
There are instances wherein the insurance companies deny claims or only offer a low settlement. If this happens, you have the right to appeal the decision. To do this, you will need to submit a request in writing to the insurance company. You should also include any new evidence that can support your claim. For instance, if you have received a higher estimate from a different doctor, you should include this in your appeal. If you win your appeal, you will be able to get the benefits you deserve. However, you may have to pay for your medical expenses and lost wages if you lose.
No one ever wants to get injured at work. But if it does happen, the most important thing to remember if you have been injured on the job is that you are not alone. There are resources available to help you through this difficult time. With a bit of research and effort, you can be sure to get the best possible outcome for your case.