Work injuries are, unfortunately, quite common. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported by private industry employers in 2017. This averages out to about 2.9 injuries per 100 full-time equivalent workers. If you are injured at work, you should not handle your work injury claim. Contact Us at to help you get the benefits you deserve.
Work-related injuries can happen to anyone at any time. You may be tempted to handle your workers’ compensation claim if you’re injured on the job. However, this is advisable for several reasons. In this article, we will discuss reasons why you should not handle your work injury claim.
What Is Work Injury Claim?
You may be wondering what exactly a workers’ compensation claim is. In short, you make a claim with your employer’s insurance company to get benefits after you’ve been injured at work. These benefits can include things like medical expenses and lost wages. There are a few different ways that you can get injured at work. Maybe you slipped and fell or were lifting something heavy and hurting your back. Regardless of how it happened, you may be entitled to compensation if you were injured at work.
Benefits Of Workers’ Compensation
- Temporary Disability Benefits
Temporary disability benefits are payments you may be entitled to if you temporarily cannot work due to a work-related injury. These benefits can help you cover your medical expenses and lost wages. The number of benefits you’re entitled to and the time you can receive them will depend on your situation.
- Permanent Disability Benefits
Permanent disability benefits are payments you may be entitled to if you’re permanently unable to work due to a work-related injury. These benefits can help you cover your medical expenses and lost wages. The number of benefits you’re entitled to will depend on your situation.
- Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits
Supplemental job displacement benefits are payments you may be entitled to if you cannot return to your previous job due to a work-related injury. These benefits can help you cover the cost of retraining or relocating for a new job. The number of benefits you’re entitled to will depend on your situation.
- Death Benefits
Death benefits are payments you may be entitled to if you lose a loved one in a work-related accident. These benefits can help you cover funeral expenses and lost wages. The number of benefits you’re entitled to will depend on your situation.
- Free Medical Treatment
Free medical treatment is one of the benefits you may be entitled to if you are injured in a work-related accident. This benefit can help you to cover the cost of your medical expenses. The number of benefits you’re entitled to will depend on your situation.
Top 5 Reasons You Should Not Handle Your Work Injury Claim
You may be tempted to handle your workers’ compensation claim when you are injured at work. After all, it may seem like a simple process: you get injured, file a claim, and receive benefits. However, there are many risks associated with handling your claim. Here are the top five reasons why you should not handle your work injury claim:
- Lack of Experience
Unless you have experience handling work injury claims, you will likely be disadvantaged when dealing with insurance adjusters and other professionals. Workers’ compensation laws are complex, and the claims process can be difficult to navigate. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney will know how to build a strong claim and be better equipped to negotiate with insurance companies.
- You May Not Be Fully Compensated
If you are unfamiliar with the workers’ compensation system, you may not know what benefits you are entitled to. Even if you are aware of the benefits available, you may not receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney will know how to maximize your benefits and get you the full amount of compensation you deserve.
- The Process is Time-Consuming
The workers’ compensation claims process can be time-consuming, and it is not always easy to promptly get the benefits you need. If you try to handle your claim, you may spend much time on the phone with insurance adjusters and filing paperwork. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can take care of the details for you to focus on your recovery.
- You May Have to Deal with the Insurance Company
If you try to handle your work injury claim, you will likely have to deal with the insurance company. Insurance companies are in business to make money and will often try to minimize the amount of money they have to pay out on claims. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney knows how to deal with insurance companies and will fight for the full amount of benefits you are entitled to.
- You May Not Receive the Best Medical Treatment
If your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier approves your claim, you will likely be required to receive treatment from a doctor chosen by the insurance company. The insurance company’s goal is to minimize costs, so they may choose a doctor who is not experienced in treating your type of injury. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you get the best medical treatment possible.
Conclusion
Work injuries can be complicated, and it is important to have an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer on your side. At San Gabriel Valley Workers’ Compensation Lawyers, we will guide you through the process and help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 626-602-9483 for a free consultation.