Workers Compensation Faq

No, this is a common mistake. Often the true severity of an injury is not known right away. If you felt something snap in your back or shoulder while lifting a box or tripped and twisted your ankle on an upturned corner of a rug, tell your supervisor as soon as possible. You don't necessarily have to file a claim unless you seek medical treatment, but you must alert your employer of the incident within 90-days.

Waiting leads to questions and skepticism from the insurance company. Why didn't you seek medical treatment sooner? Was an incident outside of work the real cause of the injury?

Your employer cannot penalize you for filing a workers' compensation claim. It also cannot prohibit you from making a claim or force you to say the injury happened at another time. An employer has five days to send your claim to its insurer.

You have the right to seek medical treatment. Your employer's workers' compensation policy will say whether you can see your own doctor or one within a managed care organization (MCO).

You do not need to return to work until released by your doctor. While you are recovering from the injury, make sure to attend all doctor's appointments. You need to notify your employer when you are released to work.

Your employer should not put pressure on you to return before you are able, it is up to your physician.

"Hide the condition" is a game that I have seen insurance companies play over the years. They will accept a claim for a less severe injury - back strain rather than a herniated disc. This may lead you to believe you are covered when in fact the coverage is limited to a far less serious injury.

After reviewing your case, I can ensure the insurance company does not get away with any attempt to minimize your injury.