Refuting Common Workers' Compensation Myths
Being injured when you are at work can be a stressful position to find yourself facing. These incidents can result in you facing extreme medical costs and lost wages. Unfortunately, you may be unsure of the legal protections that you enjoy as an injured worker. However, your employer is likely required to have a worker's compensation insurance policy, but it can be easy to be misinformed about this type of protection. Once you have had the following few worker's compensation notions refuted, you will find yourself in a far better position to minimize the disruptions caused by these injuries.
Myth: You Can Use Any Doctor You Want For Your Treatment
There are many individuals that may assume that they will be able to choose the doctor that treats them following their workplace injury. Yet, this is not actually the case, as the insurance company will be able to dictate where you will receive treatment. There may be some exceptions for this in instances where you will require long-term care or rehabilitation. When this is the case, you will likely be able to petition to switch to your normal care provider once the initial stage of the treatment has been completed.
Myth: Only Injuries From Accidents Are Covered
There is a common belief that you will have to be injured in an accident in order to receive worker's compensation benefits. However, there are instances where there may not be a singular event that led to your injury. A common example of this is carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a progressive condition that can be triggered by your working conditions.
Myth: There Is No Need To Hire A Workers' Compensation Attorney
Some individuals may assume that there will be no need for the to retain the services of a worker's compensation attorney. Yet, you may find yourself unfortunate enough to have your initial claim denied by the insurance company. When this occurs, the only option that you will be able to pursue is to appeal the initial decision. This can be a complicated process, and if your appeal fails, you may not be able to continue to pursue these benefits. By retaining the services of an attorney, you will be able to ensure that you have quality representation during this appeal process.
When you are needing to file a worker's compensation claim, it can be easy to feel intimidated by this process. However, this can be the only option for recovering damages that you suffered as a result of a workplace injury. By understanding that you may not be able to choose your doctor, that progressive injuries caused by your working conditions are covered and the benefits of working with a worker's compensation attorney, you will find yourself better positioned to have a smooth physical and financial recovery from these incidents. Contact an attorney like one from Prediletto, Halpin, Scharnikow & Nelson, P.S. to learn more.
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