If you are injured as a result of your job, then chances are you can qualify for some type of workers' compensation to pay for your treatment and any income loss. Of course, this is dependent in part on filing for your claim correctly. The following are a few mistakes you definitely want to avoid when you are trying to get workers' comp:

Mistake #1: Failing to document properly

Documentation occurs as soon as the accident is reported, which should be done immediately following it. At most workplaces, the accident is first reported to the immediate supervisor and then to the HR department. Make sure the accident and injury report is fully filled out and provide plenty of details. Then, get a copy of the report for your own records. If you feel like the report doesn't contain all the necessary information, make note of this fact and then write up your own report on what happened. If you can get a supervisor to initial your personal report, even better. If possible, also take pictures of the cause of the accident – especially if the cause was a hazardous work condition. Pictures of the injury are also helpful.

Mistake #2: Assuming you have no claim

Sometimes proper documentation and pursuit of a claim don't occur due to this misplaced assumption. For example, an employer informs the worker that the accident was the worker's fault. This simply isn't true, since most on-the-job injuries can be covered under workers' comp insurance unless there is a case of gross misconduct on the worker's part. For example, forgetting to close up your welding overalls and getting burned isn't gross misconduct, so, therefore, you are likely still eligible for compensation.

Mistake #3: Skipping medical appointments

Injured people are expected to work toward as full of a recovery as possible. If you don't keep all appointments or follow the medically prescribed treatment plan, it may be assumed that you are no longer injured or in recovery, or that your injury was very minor. Not only do you want to keep all appointments and follow all treatments prescribed, but you also want to document them. This means keeping receipts, prescriptions, and any other medical records pertaining to your injury, so you have a paper trail to prove both injury and treatment.

Secure a lawyer likeAnnunziata Albert early in the process. They can help you avoid any major mistakes that could compromise your case, while also ensuring you get everything you deserve for your injury. 

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