Injuries at the workplace can happen due to a multitude of hazards. Depending on the level of hazard, there’s likely a chance that this hardworking individual could experience an accident on the job leading to a workers’ compensation claim.

Some common workers’ compensation mistakes that can delay, reduce, or even result in denial of a workers’ compensation claim include:

1. Failure to report the injury or illness

You only have a limited amount of time to file a claim for financial compensation. Report your injury to your employer in writing immediately, letting them know when and where the injury occurred. It is also important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

2. Failing to keep organized records

After suffering a workplace injury or illness, it is crucial to keep detailed records. This means documenting the time missed from work due to the condition as well as all expenses related to medical treatment.

3. Failing to inform your doctor

When your doctor asks this question after a workplace injury, he or she really wants to know the details of your physical well-being. It is important to tell your doctor everything you can about the specifics of your injuries from the accident as well as any previous injuries to the same part of your body – which are known as “pre-existing” conditions.

4. Falsifying your injuries and symptoms

If you’re caught exaggerating about your symptoms or your limitations, you will lose credibility and you may have difficulty getting the benefits that you deserve. Do your best to be honest, thorough, and accurate in your reporting.

5. Trusting the advice of your employer’s workers compensation insurance

Employers and their insurance companies sometimes do not treat employees fairly and try to offer compensation that is far below what is needed to cover all the expenses associated with their injuries.

6. Failure to obtain legal counsel in time

It is imperative that injured workers understand that a successful claim requires strong medical documentation and an ability to demonstrate that an injury or condition was caused by their job duties. Hiring a dedicated workers’ comp attorney will give you a much better chance of obtaining the benefits you deserve.

If you were injured in a workplace accident and are in need of talking to an experienced and trustworthy workers’ compensation lawyer, call (312) 726-5567 for a free consultation. Our attorneys are here to help you navigate the process and ensure you have the best chance of obtaining workers compensation benefits. We are dedicated to providing excellent support and fierce legal representation to people injured at work in Illinois.