The 7 People You Need to Talk to for Your Workers’ Comp
Worker’s comp can be a tricky thing to navigate through, especially if you do not talk to the right people. Here are the seven most important people to talk to about your case.
Your Boss
Your boss is going to be the first person you should speak with. You need to include every detail for him or her about what has happened. Most places will give you 90 days to get everything down and in writing. That is why you mustn’t wait.
Your boss or supervisor will be the first person you need to speak with about your injury. Ideally, they should be told immediately, though if you don’t realize the extent of the injury initially or if they are not immediately available, it may take some extra time.
When telling your boss about the injury and filling out a report about it, you need to include every detail you can about the incident. Usually, depending on your company and your state, you will have 90 days from the time the injury occurs to submit a report about it. This may seem like plenty of time, but the longer you wait, the more likely you are to forget important details. Because of this, you should make sure to file the report with your boss as soon as possible.
Your Insurance Company
Your insurance will want to know what has happened, especially if they work with your boss to get you the proper settlement. Failure to report the incident to your insurance company could result in many outcomes, including lack of belief, and not getting the proper payout.
Your insurance company will also need to be informed about the incident, especially if they need to negotiate with your company to get you the settlement you deserve. Failure to report the incident to your insurance company in a timely matter could result in any of several outcomes including a denial of their help with this claim, a poor precedent for future claims, or payout that is less than you expected or needed. Contact your insurance as soon as possible to avoid these issues.
Your Doctor
No matter whether you’ve suffered is a major or minor injury, it is advisable to see your doctor as soon as possible. Not only will they be able to give you the treatment you need as soon as possible and prevent worsening of the injury, but seeing the doctor will also give you a better case for compensation.
When your doctor assesses you injury, they’ll make a record of exactly how bad it is, what treatment and medication they prescribe, and any recommendation they have for time off. This will be vital information when you’re filing your claim for compensation. Additionally, if your company sees that you haven’t seen a doctor, they may say that this means you did not consider your injury to be serious. Then, they may be able to avoid giving you the settlement you need.
You might feel as though your injuries are not so bad, but you should let your doctor make the ultimate choice. They will also be required to hand over their notes from your sessions.
The Nurse
The nurse lays the groundwork for what happens with the doctor. She or he will discuss everything with the doctor before he or she enters the room. Be honest with your nurse about everything. The feedback they get from you will play a deciding role in what prognosis the doctor gives.
Before you talk to the doctor, you’ll talk with a nurse. They will ask you questions about the injury, how it occurred, if it’s gotten worse or better since the incident, and anything else that could affect the doctor’s examination and report. They will lay the groundwork for the doctor’s examination and will discuss your injury and any concerns with the doctor before the doctor meets with you.
Be honest with your nurse about everything. The feedback they get from you will play a deciding role in what prognosis the doctor gives.
The Company’s Doctor
Your company may have a specific doctor they want you to see. While you should still your personal physician, your company will likely trust their doctor’s report more than yours. Be sure to see them as soon as possible to avoid your claim being held up or denied. You company may think that you’re trying to hide something if you only consult your own doctor and not theirs.
Your Lawyer
Some companies might play hardball with your case. It is nothing personal. That is the way some companies operate. They may not take proper action or pay out anything unless someone else forces their hand. That is where a workers comp attorney comes in handy. Hiring a lawyer to help protect your interests is going to help your case.
Not only will a workers’ compensation attorney be your advocate, they’ll also be more familiar with the process than you are. Therefore, they’ll know what paperwork you need to file when and how to get a response when your company isn’t cooperating. They’ll make the confusing and overwhelming process run as smoothly as possible so you can concentrate on healing.
Their Lawyer
Your lawyer will probably interact with your company’s lawyers more than you will. However, when you do talk with them, you also need to be upfront, no matter who they hire or what they say. Hiding necessary facts from them could hurt your case in the long run. Your lawyer will be able to advise you on anything you shouldn’t or don’t need to say and anything you must tell them.
When you’re seriously injured on the job, the process to get the compensation you need to pay your expenses may seem overwhelming. There’s a lot to keep track of if you want everything to run smoothly. However, talking to these seven people honestly is vital and will help you get the compensation you’re entitled to for medical expenses and time off work.
