Filing a worker’s comp claim can be stressful and complicated at various stages because of various interferences and disadvantages during the process. You should visit this website to learn more about worker’s compensation law. 

Here are a few complications that could make it challenging to collect your benefits. 

Not Reporting Injuries Promptly and Accurately 

Ensure that you report your injuries as soon as they occur. When you seek treatment and get everything in writing, you should begin submitting your claim immediately. You usually have 30 days to file the claim from the date of the injury. 

Waiting too long disqualifies you from receiving the benefits you deserve. It also can muddle things when you wait until the last minute and don’t have hard copies of all communication. 

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

A pre-existing condition is an injury or medical illness you had before getting injured at work. These pre-existing conditions complicate your claim because your employer could easily contend that the injuries you’re trying to get compensated for were from pre-existing medical problems, not a part of a workplace incident. 

In various states, you’re entitled to worker’s comp despite prior medical conditions. The burden of proof is on you to show that the current injuries are unrelated or have worsened because of the workplace accident. 

Filing for Social Security Disability Benefits 

Many people who suffer injuries at work file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in conjunction with worker’s compensation benefits. It can cause complications because the SSDI guarantees that you don’t receive more than 80 percent of your pre-injury wages. 

Seeking legal representation can assist you with minimizing the effects that the SSDI has on your overall benefits package so that you don’t lose too much.

Getting Injured Off-Site

Worker’s compensation provides monetary assistance to someone that gets injured in the course of performing their duties at work. But what happens if you get injured away from your job?

The employer might try to argue that the insurance they offer only applies to injuries sustained on the premises. In this case, your claim becomes more complicated if you get injured somewhere else. 

In reality, your physical location is not the most significant factor in your claim; what you did when you got injured is a more crucial aspect.  

For example, if an assistant runs errands for her boss and gets hurt, she can file for compensation despite not being at the office. 

Treatment Issues

Consistently communicating with your physician and following their treatment plan are critical components to a successful worker’s comp claim. Your medical records are of the utmost importance to your claim and should contain accurate and clear information. 

Aside from not following the treatment, don’t switch doctors just because you disagree with their diagnosis. Some states also have laws that dictate when you can change doctors, which doctors can issue treatment, and how many times you can go to someone new. 

Being unaware of these restrictions can have a negative impact in the long run if you are unsure about how to go about seeking treatment. 

Post-Claim Medical Complications

Your injuries or condition may worsen after you’ve already reached a settlement agreement and received benefits from the worker’s comp claim. In this case, you’ll have to provide proof that your situation has deteriorated in some capacity. 

Reopening a case is often more challenging than filing the initial claim. It’s best to seek legal assistance if this occurs to see if you can get your benefits adjusted. 

Final Thoughts 

Pursuing worker’s compensation when you get injured on the job or while performing duties related to your job can be a long, drawn-out process. 

On top of that, there are specific actions that you can avoid that would make the operation even longer and more complicated. It’s wise to familiarize yourself with the laws surrounding worker’s comp in your area so you know what to expect.