Getting hurt at work can be overwhelming. You’re dealing with pain, medical bills, and the stress of not knowing if you’ll get paid while you recover. Workers’ compensation, or “work comp,” is there to help you, but the process can be tricky, especially if you don’t know how it works. To make sure you get the benefits you deserve, here are five common mistakes to avoid when you’re injured on the job.
1. Waiting Too Long to Report Your Injury
One of the biggest mistakes people make is not reporting their injury right away. Whether it’s a back, shoulder, knee, hand, or foot injury, letting your employer know as soon as it happens is crucial. In North Carolina, you have 30 days to report your injury, and in South Carolina, it’s 90 days. Even if you think it’s no big deal, report it—small injuries can turn into bigger problems later. Plus, waiting too long might make your employer or the insurance company question whether your injury really happened at work.
2. Skipping Medical Treatment or Waiting to See a Doctor
If you’re hurt, don’t “tough it out.” Go see a doctor right away. Not only is this important for your health, but it also creates a record of your injury, which you’ll need for your workers’ comp claim. If you need surgery or ongoing treatment, workers’ compensation is supposed to pay for it. Follow your doctor’s advice and keep all your appointments. Ignoring your injury or delaying treatment could hurt your claim—and make it harder to get back to work.
3. Talking to the Insurance Adjuster Without Help
Insurance adjusters might seem friendly, but remember, they work for the insurance company—not for you. Their job is to save money, not make sure you get what you deserve. They may try to downplay your injury or suggest you’re not eligible for benefits. Before you give a statement or sign anything, talk to a workers’ comp attorney. They can help you avoid saying something that might hurt your claim.
4. Thinking Your Claim Will Be Approved Automatically
Just because you were hurt at work doesn’t mean your workers’ comp claim will be approved. Employers and insurance companies often deny claims, arguing that the injury didn’t happen at work or is related to a pre-existing condition. A denied claim can leave you with unpaid bills, no wage replacement, and no way to support yourself if you’re unable to work. To avoid this, gather as much evidence as you can—medical records, witness statements, and anything else that proves your injury happened while working.
5. Not Knowing What Workers’ Comp Can Cover
A lot of people think workers’ compensation only pays for medical bills, but it can do so much more. If your injury keeps you out of work, you might qualify for wage replacement in the form of weekly disability payments. It can even pay for job retraining if you can’t return to your old position. Don’t leave money on the table—make sure you know what you’re entitled to.
Don’t Go Through This Alone
If you’ve been hurt at work, the last thing you need is the added stress of unpaid bills, a denied claim, or an insurance company giving you the runaround. Whether you’re dealing with a back injury, surgery, or just trying to get back on your feet, an experienced workers’ comp attorney can make all the difference.
At The Law Offices of Bradley H. Smith, we’re here to help workers across North and South Carolina get the benefits they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s make sure you’re taken care of while you focus on healing.
Avoiding these common mistakes can help you get the workers’ comp benefits you need to recover and move forward. You don’t have to do it alone—reach out for help today!