When you get hurt on the job, the process should be simple: report the injury to your employer, see a doctor, and get compensated while you heal.
But so often, it’s not that simple. Workers’ compensation law can be very complicated. By avoiding these five mistakes, you can begin to level the playing field between you, your employee, and the insurance adjustor.
1. Failing to give notice soon enough
You might have good intentions by not reporting your injury. Maybe you like your job, you don’t want to be seen as a nuisance, or you don’t think the injury is that serious. We get it! But Alabama law requires that you report your injury to a supervisor within five days of the incident.
2. Misrepresenting your medical condition in your job application
When you apply for a job, you might feel nervous that you won’t get hired if you disclose a prior health condition. However, if you misrepresent your condition and later get injured, it’s easier for your employer or their insurance carrier to prevent you from being covered by workers’ compensation, even if the job worsened the preexisting condition.
3. Not cooperating with medical care
When injured on the job, your employer is obligated to select a doctor to treat you. If you fail to comply with this treatment, even if it’s not your normal doctor, your compensation for the treatment will be cut off.
4. Thinking the claims adjuster is your friend
They are not your friend. Some adjusters are more honest than others, but none of them lose sight of their bottom line: to save the insurance company money. The adjustor will call you regularly and ask about your healing. They do not want you to get an attorney or to understand your legal rights.
5. Agreeing to a settlement without having a lawyer advise whether the offer is fair the paperwork says what you want it to say
Settlement paperwork is often purposefully written in confusing language. It is best to hire a lawyer to review the offer. You don’t want to sign away rights that you weren’t aware you were giving up.
Insurance adjustors do this every day. But the good news? So do we.
Did you know? Alabama workers’ compensation pays out some of the lowest amounts in the United States. An experienced Alabama workers’ compensation attorney can maximize the payment you receive for your injury.
That’s where we come in. With more than 30 years of experience, we know how insurance adjusters operate, and we know how to beat them.
Let’s get you better. Call Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.