Injured On The Job? 3 Facts You Should Know About Filing A Workers Compensation Claim
Were you recently injured while on the job? If so, you should know that you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Taking the time to review the important facts below before filing your workers comp claim can help to ensure that you ultimately receive all of the compensation that you are entitled to.
Fact: You Have The Right To Hire A Lawyer Without Fear Of Retaliation
Most people know that they can choose to hire a workers compensation lawyer to assist with their claim. However, many people choose not to exercise this right to counsel because they fear retaliation from their employer. If you share this fear, you should know that the law protects you from being fired, demoted, harassed, or otherwise mistreated as a result of your decision to hire a lawyer in your workers compensation claim.
If you feel that your employer is retaliating for your decision to hire a lawyer, you should inform your lawyer about any questionable activity right away. In the event that your fear do become reality, your employer can face serious charges that may result in additional compensation for you.
Fact: You Can Choose To Visit Any Doctor That You Wish
Employers often mislead injured workers when it comes to what doctors can provide their medical care after a work-related accident. Since many people are quite loyal to their physicians, far too many injured workers will choose not to file a claim against their employer for injuries that they suffered on the job, simply because these individuals do not want to receive medical care from the doctor or hospital of their employer's choosing.
If your employer has lead you to believe that you must visit the doctor or hospital that they recommend in order to have your medical bills covered, you should know that this is simply not true. In fact, you have the right to visit any doctor that you wish, including a specialist, without giving up your right to be compensated for this necessary medical care.
Fact: Time Is Of The Essence
The amount of time provided by law to file a workers compensation claim will be limited. While the statute of limitations for filing this type of claim will vary from one state to another, most people will only be given a matter of months to officially file their claim before they are no longer eligible to receive compensation. In order to determine exactly how long you have to file your claim, and to get the ball rolling before this time limit expires, it is important that you consult with a qualified workers compensation lawyer, such as Leif D. Erickson, as soon as possible.
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