Don’t Jeopardize Your Workers’ Comp Settlement

If you are injured at work, you might be entitled to workers’ compensation during your recovery. Workers’ compensation pays your medical bills and partial wages so you can get back to health.

A workers’ compensation claim can go on for a long time, depending on the injuries’ severity. Therefore, ensure you do not jeopardize your workers’ comp settlement by making the following mistakes. If you have questions, talk to our Antioch workers’ comp lawyers at the Law Office of Robert T. Edens, P.C. today.

 

Workers’ Compensation Overview

Illinois’ workers’ compensation is a system of benefits provided to most workers who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. If you qualify, benefits are paid for the injuries and illnesses caused at work. In addition, you could receive workers’ compensation in Illinois if your work-related injury aggravated a pre-existing condition.

Workers’ comp is also paid for some repetitive use injuries, heart attacks, and other physical issues. You are paid benefits whether you were at fault for the accident. In exchange for receiving workers’ comp regardless of fault, it is difficult to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer for a job-related injury.

You want to get maximum workers’ compensation benefits during your injury recovery. Thus, you should not jeopardize your claim by doing the following:

 

Staying With The Company Physician

Do not assume you must use the company physician for your medical treatments while injured. You can choose your own doctor, which can be to your benefit. However, the doctor, the workers’ compensation insurance company, pays for may be interested in paying as little as possible on the claim. It is possible this conflict of interest could result in you getting less thorough medical treatments than you should.

After the injury, you may end up seeing the company doctor initially. But you have a right under Illinois law to see your own choice of doctor.

 

Not Going To Medical Appointments

Going to regular doctor’s appointments can be annoying. However, you must attend every appointment when you receive workers’ compensation. If you do not comply with the treatment plan and skip visits, they may suspend or cancel your benefits. If you need to reschedule an appointment, that is not a problem, just make sure you go as soon as possible.

 

Downplaying Your Injuries

Most of us do not want to be injured, so it is understandable if you downplay your pain. But you should be upfront with your doctors about your pain and how you feel. If your injuries are incorrectly documented, you could get less money when on workers’ compensation.

Explain your injuries and pain level to your doctors. Make sure you document your discomfort and pain for your medical record.

 

Engaging In Too Many Physical Activities

The workers’ comp insurance company has a motive to show that you are not as injured as you claim. They might put you under surveillance to see what you are up to while recovering. Do not engage in strenuous physical activities when hurt, or your benefits could be suspended.

Call Our Antioch Workers’ Comp Lawyers Now

Were you hurt at work? You could be entitled to workers’ compensation, but handling the claim yourself could lead to a lower benefit level. The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C. can help. Contact our Antioch workers’ comp lawyers today at (847) 395-2200 to learn how we can maximize your benefits.