Workers’ compensation insurance provides benefits to employees who are injured or experience an illness caused by their job. Illinois is a no-fault system, meaning employees do not need to prove that their employer was responsible for their injuries in order to receive benefits. The benefits provided by workers’ compensation may include medical expenses, compensation for lost wages, and rehabilitation services. Ultimately, workers’ compensation aims to ensure that employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job can receive the necessary support and care while reducing the financial burden on employers who would otherwise be liable for these expenses.
However, filing for a workers’ compensation claim is not always a cut-and-dry process. There are mistakes that can be made before, during, and after you file that can have a significant impact on the success of your claim. Today, we will review common mistakes when filing for workers’ compensation. If you have been injured on the job, consider contacting an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Your attorney will help guide you through the process while ensuring your rights remain protected and respected.
Common Workers’ Compensation Mistakes to Avoid
As stated previously, several mistakes can be made that can hurt your chances of receiving the benefits you may be entitled to. These mistakes include the following:
- Failing to report your injury – One of the biggest mistakes you can make is failing to report your injury to your employer. Suppose you do not notify your employer within the timeframe of Illinois workers’ compensation laws, which is 45 days. In that case, this will likely significantly hurt your chances of receiving the benefits you may be entitled to.
- Waiting too long to seek medical attention – If you delay seeking medical attention for your injury, it could be viewed as evidence that your injury is not as serious as you claim. Therefore, seeking medical attention immediately after your injury is essential to ensure your condition is appropriately diagnosed and treated.
- Failing to follow your doctor’s orders – If you do not follow your doctor’s orders, such as attending follow-up appointments and complying with treatment plans, it may be seen as evidence that your injury is not as serious as you claim.
- Failing to keep good records – It is important to keep detailed records of all medical treatment related to your injury and any other expenses you incur as a result of your injury, like transportation costs or lost wages.
Contact a Kane County Workers’ Compensation Attorney
To avoid making costly errors with your workers’ compensation claim, contact the astute Aurora, IL, workers’ compensation lawyers with Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C.. Call 630-907-0909 for a free consultation.
Source: https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/iwcc/Documents/icpnFORM.pdf