There are many steps to take following your workplace injury to ensure you are eligible to receive workers’ compensation. The first of these steps should always be to report your injury to your employer. Reporting your injury swiftly after your accident will allow you to build a strong case, which can lead to receiving workers’ compensation benefits and a proper recovery quickly.
When Should I Report My Work Injury?
You are ineligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits until you have reported your injury to your employer. Failing to report your injury on time can lead to a claim denial, so be sure to act quickly. In Florida, you have 30 days from the date your accident occurred to notify your employer. There are specific situations that extend this time period, however, it’s important to file your claim on time if your situation allows for it.
If you believe your case to be an exception, it may be in your best interest to speak with a Hialeah workers’ compensation attorney to discuss a plan to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
How Do I Report My Injury?
Florida has a no-fault workers’ compensation system, meaning that you do not have to prove that your injuries were from careless acts of your employer in order to be eligible for benefits. Be sure to give a written and dated notice of your injury. This can be used to support your case in the event that any problems arise. Be sure to include:
Your full name
Your contact information
Where your accident occurred
How your injury happened
What injuries/symptoms you’re noticing
After notifying your employer of your injury, they should then report the incident to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
My Employer Won’t Report My Injury, Now What?
If your employer doesn’t report your injury, then you will have to report it yourself. Your employer should have the information about whichever insurance company provides your company’s workers’ compensation insurance.
Avoiding Crucial Mistakes on Your Accident Report
One of the most common reasons a workers’ compensation claim is denied is due to the improper filing of a claim. For example, let’s say you report your injury and on the form, it states that you have a hurt lower back. When the insurance company compares this to the doctor's evaluation, they see that your lower back wasn’t mentioned. This may lead them to believe that you are submitting a false report, which can lead to an investigation. This may involve:
Overlooking medical records
Closely analyzing your work experience, education, and earnings
Requiring you to complete an assessment of your ability to perform work-related tasks
Insurance companies will use any excuse they can to deny a claim and protect their profit. Because of this, it’s important to work with a trusted team of workers’ compensation attorneys to ensure that you have the best chance at seeking the compensation you deserve.
Call Morales & Cerino today (305) 340-2630 for more information about pursuing the compensation you deserve. We offer FREE case evaluations where you can ask any questions you have.