The permanent disability benefits process can be frustrating. Many people make simple mistakes that can delay or even derail their claims entirely. Understanding these common mistakes will improve your chances of success.
The safest way to significantly increase your chances of receiving the maximum disability benefits you deserve is by hiring an aggressive workers’ compensation attorney.
Here are the five most frequent mistakes people make when applying for permanent disability benefits due to a work-related injury:
- Not Reporting the Injury Right Away
One of the workers’ most significant mistakes is failing to report their injuries immediately. In California, like most states, strict deadlines are in place for notifying your employer about a workplace injury; missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to file a claim. Even if you think the injury is minor, reporting it as soon as possible is essential. Remember that some injuries worsen as time passes; having an official report can make a huge difference.
Takeaway: Always err on caution and report any work-related injury promptly.
- Delaying Medical Attention
Seek medical treatment as soon as you are hurt. Even if you think you can “tough it out” or feel like you should “wait and see,” delaying medical care can harm your health. A medical professional is the best person to evaluate the severity or seriousness of your injury.
Delaying medical attention also puts your claim at risk. It allows insurance companies to argue that if you didn’t seek immediate treatment, your injury wasn’t serious or wasn’t caused by work. To protect yourself, see a doctor as soon as possible and follow their treatment plan closely. Keep documentation of all medical visits.
Takeaway: See medical attention immediately and let a doctor decide.
- Not Following the Doctor’s Orders
Follow your doctor’s orders carefully once you’ve seen a doctor and started treatment. It can hurt your claim if you don’t or ignore prescribed treatments. Insurance companies may argue that you’re not doing everything possible to recover or the injury is not severe enough to warrant permanent disability benefits.
Takeaway: Do not stop or change your treatment plan on your own.
- Being Too Quick to Accept a Settlement
When you are hurt, a quick settlement is tempting. This is especially true if you’re struggling financially. However, settling too fast without knowing the full extent of your injuries can leave you high and dry and without the benefits you deserve. Permanent disabilities often require long-term care, and rushing into a settlement might not cover those costs down the road.
Takeaway: Speak to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney before you settle.
- Trying to Handle Everything Alone
The workers’ compensation system is complex, and trying to understand it on your own can lead to costly mistakes. Many injured workers assume they don’t need legal help or can’t afford an attorney. But most workers’ compensation lawyers work on contingency—meaning they only get paid if you win your case.
An experienced attorney will make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Additionally, an attorney will handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf and fight for all the benefits you’re entitled to.
Takeaway: You can afford a workers’ compensation attorney.
When you partner with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, you can be sure these common mistakes won’t be made.
Call Sacramento Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at (916) 438-1819 and schedule your free, no-risk consultation. We will fight for every dollar you are entitled to, and you pay nothing until you win.
