Workers’ compensation insurance is put in place to protect both you, as a worker, and your employer. However, there are a number of ways that you might suffer a legitimate injury on the job and still have your workers’ compensation claim denied. Often, attorneys warn about accepting a workers’ compensation settlement too readily, but if you wait too long to take action, you may miss out on proper compensation altogether.
One of the most common ways that workers jeopardize their coverage by workers’ compensation is by failing to properly report their injury to their employer in the appropriate timeframe. In Louisiana, you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days to file a workers’ compensation claim, otherwise the insurer may legally refuse coverage of your injury.
There are many ways to properly give notice to an employer, so it is usually an avoidable mistake. You can either verbally inform your superior of your injury or put it in writing. You can also have the notice given by a spouse, a friend, coworker, or even your doctor. If you choose to have someone other than yourself give the notice, it is wise to put it in writing.
If you have concerns about your workers’ compensation claim, it is always advantageous to enlist the guidance of an experienced attorney who understands the process of negotiating with an insurer. Proper legal guidance helps you focus on your recovery and ensures that you don’t settle for less than you deserve for your losses, while keeping your rights protected and ensuring that you receive the care that you need to recover from your injury.
Source: FindLaw, “Common Workers’ Compensation Defenses,” accessed June 23, 2017