California’s workers’ compensation laws are technically designed to ensure those who are injured at work can receive proper compensation for such losses as their medical bills.
However, it’s important to remember that your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer is not motivated to pay you when you submit a claim. Insurance companies are businesses whose owners attempt to protect their own financial interests whenever possible.
Thus, it’s possible your workers’ compensation claim will be denied when you submit it. These tips can help you prevent this from happening:
Report an accident to your supervisor or the most senior team member on the premises immediately after one occurs. Don’t make any statements that might suggest the accident occurred because you were engaging in horseplay or were intoxicated.
Next, take down the names of all witnesses and ask if they’d be willing to provide written or recorded statements describing the circumstances of the accident. If some of the witnesses are not your coworkers, get their contact information.
Take pictures of your injuries and the conditions at the scene of the accident as well. These may be used as evidence during the claims process.
Seeking medical attention on the day of your accident is critical. See a doctor right away even if you don’t believe you have been injured.
You could be injured in a work-related accident without immediately noticing any signs of injury. To ensure you receive early treatment and to prevent an insurer from arguing later that there is no proof your injuries resulted from an accident that occurred at work, see a doctor as soon as you have completed the steps above.
This may be among the best ways to ensure your workers’ compensation claim is not denied. An attorney who specializes in handling cases like yours can help you gather the evidence and documentation you need to demonstrate why you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
They can also assist you in determining what would constitute a fair settlement. Odds are an insurance company will still try to convince you to settle for less than you may be owed if the adjuster can’t find a reason to deny your claim outright. Your lawyer will account for all your compensable losses and negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement on your behalf.
Their involvement will also allow you to focus on your recovery. After being injured on the job, you don’t need to add to your burdens by handling your claim on your own. Instead, hire a lawyer to investigate your accident, submit your claim, and attend to all other tasks the process may involve.
If you’ve been injured at work, hire a Los Angeles workers’ compensation attorney at the Law Offices of Kropach & Kropach to provide the representation you need. We will guard against your claim being unfairly denied. If your claim has already been denied, we can help you fight back, optimizing your chances of recovering the compensation for which you may be eligible. Learn more about how we can help by contacting us online or calling us at 818-609-7005 to schedule your free consultation.
