A workplace injury can pose a serious threat to a person’s future. From health to career, a lot is a stake after a victim has suffered an on-the-job accident.
While workers’ compensation in Minnesota can be a valuable resource to aid recovery, receiving that compensation is not a sure thing.
Benefits can be jeopardized
Despite how safe employers try to make their workplaces, 2.8 million work injuries and illnesses occur each year. For employees to receive the benefits they need to recover, they must avoid these pitfalls.
- Failing to report the accident: an employee needs to report the accident immediately following the event.
- Not seeking a medical evaluation or treatment: even if the employee feels fine, a medical evaluation is essential. This evaluation provides a recorded status of the employee’s condition, as well as acting as a benchmark for worsening conditions.
- Ignoring injuries: a coworker or employer may try to reduce the severity of the accident to try and protect their own interests.
- Not following medical advice: if an employee does not follow the doctor’s instructions, it can jeopardize compensation.
- Taking the insurance company at its word: many people make the mistake of thinking insurance is looking after their best interests. Insurers commonly offer settlements and compensation that are less than adequate.
- Pursuing compensation without an attorney: without the guidance of a skilled workers’ comp attorney, an employee may as well pursue their payment blindfolded. Experienced workers’ comp lawyers know what fair compensation looks like, and they know how to get it.
Any of these mistakes can be enough to put benefits at risk.
Act with foresight and caution
Injury victims can protect their workers’ compensation, if they avoid mistakes. If you have questions about Minnesota workers’ comp, contact an experienced attorney.