When you’ve been injured at work, you need compensation to help offset your lost wages and to cover your medical expenses. Without this support, you could face more extensive financial issues, such as eviction, foreclosure, and vehicle repossession. You might also be prevented from securing the medical care that you need, thereby delaying your ability to return to work. That’s why it’s imperative that you know how to navigate the workers’ compensation system.
But there are a lot of misconceptions out there about the workers’ compensation process. And if you fall for these myths, then you could miss an opportunity to secure the benefits that you need and deserve. So, let’s look at some common myths about the workers’ compensation process so that you know how to avoid them and increase your chances of securing a favorable outcome.
The sad reality is that many workers are discouraged from seeking workers’ compensation benefits because they have erroneous beliefs about the system and what it can and can’t do for them. So, let’s look at some common myths about the workers’ compensation system and debunk them. Here are four of the most common:
- You could get fired if you file for workers’ compensation: Employers are disallowed from retaliating against employees who file a workers’ compensation claim. If your employer does fire you solely based on your pursuit of workers’ compensation benefits, then you’d be justified in taking additional legal action. Employers usually don’t want to risk that, so they stay in compliance with applicable workers’ compensation and employment laws.
- Workers’ compensation is only for the most serious injuries: Workers’ compensation covers all workplace injuries that render you incapable of performing your job duties. Therefore, even injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome and back pain could qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. If you’re unsure whether your condition qualifies, consider discussing it with your doctor and your attorney.
- Workers’ compensation only applies to physical injuries: Although most workers’ compensation claims are tied to physical injuries that prevent you from conducting your work, it can also cover psychological and other mental health conditions that manifest as a result of your job. For example, if you’re an emergency services personnel who experiences a traumatic event at work and subsequently develops post-traumatic stress disorder, then you might be able to recover workers’ compensation benefits to help cover your mental health treatment.
- You can’t challenge a workers’ compensation claim denial: All too often, injured individuals who see their workers’ compensation claims denied just accept the determination that’s been made. But you shouldn’t let that happen to you. You can appeal a workers’ compensation claim denial and should do so to advocate for the benefits that you need. Don’t think that there’s nothing else you can do to protect your interests.
Aggressively advocate for the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve
There are several other workers’ compensation myths out there. You don’t want to fall for them and miss the opportunity to secure the benefits you need, so make sure you read up on the process and have a firm understanding of what it can do for you and how to properly navigate it. And, as you build your claim, be as aggressive as possible. You only have a limited opportunity to fight for the benefits you deserve, so be diligent about building a thorough and persuasive case to maximize your chances of achieving the outcome that you want.