6 Tips for Maximizing Your Workers’ Compensation Settlement 

The injuries can be traumatic and have far-reaching consequences when you are hurt at work. They can leave you with medical bills, lost income, and stress over how to recover. Unfortunately, it is also difficult to tell how the injury will impact your life ten years or 30 years to come. Fortunately, you’re eligible for workers’ compensation through your employer’s insurance company.

While you don’t have to prove fault in the accident or sue your employer, the settlement can be complicated. Your employer’s insurance company can hire attorneys to help them get away with as little compensation as they can, so you need to prepare your case thoroughly and hire the best attorney to get maximum compensation. Here are six tips to help you maximize your workers’ compensation.

1. Inform Your Employer About the Injury

You’re legally required to report the injury to your employer within 14 days after the accident. If you’re badly injured, focus on your treatment. Your colleagues will inform your employer on your behalf. Don’t worry or think about the problems after telling your employer. Your employer probably already knows that it is illegal to fire an injured employee for reporting a work-related injury. However, if you feel that informing your employer can result in retribution, you might need a lawyer to report for you and follow through with the process.

2. Seek Medical Treatment Immediately

Seek medical attention immediately, even if you’re not sure whether you’re injured or not. Don’t wait to feel better; the longer you delay, the harder it will be to convince the insurance company that you have a legitimate workers’ compensation claim. Your supervisor or manager might arrange an ambulance for you as the company nurse or doctor tries to perform first aid and other emergency treatment. A good rule of thumb is to seek treatment right away so no one can use the delay as a reason for a low settlement.

3. Hire an Experienced Attorney

Half your battle is won when you hire the right professional. Remember, as you prepare your case, your employer’s insurance company will be crafting their defense. It’s unlikely you’ll have much luck handling your workers’ compensation claim alone. Invest heavily in a lawyer with an excellent track record of winning work injury cases. If you don’t have enough funds, check out whether you qualify for employment & labor lawsuit loans available at Baker Street Funding.

4. Don’t Accept the Insurance Company’s Offer

Your employer’s insurance company might send a lawyer or adjuster to discuss a settlement outside the court. While this should be the best solution for you, it is never in your best interests. That’s why you might want to avoid striking any deal with the insurance company. The company’s initial offer will automatically be lower than what you deserve. They will give what they’re willing to lose, not what fits your needs.

5. Choose a Good Doctor to Conduct an Independent Exam

While states have different rules regarding the choice of physicians for workers’ compensation injuries, you’ll likely have to work with a physician authorized by your employer’s insurance company. If you’re uncomfortable with the treatment and care, you can change doctors and inform the insurance adjuster before starting therapy with the new doctor.

6. Keep a Record of Your Communication, Injuries, and Other Important Information

The best way to maximize your worker compensation settlement is to keep track of all the costs, communications, medical tests, and other injury-related evidence accumulated since the time of injury. Your lawyer can use the information you provide to fight for maximum compensation.