Sustaining a work-related injury can be an unexpected and disheartening experience for employees in any industry. They have to deal with the financial realities of missing work while they recover. Aside from taking time for recovery, injured employees also have to figure out the workers’ compensation process.
Dealing with the company’s insurance provider might feel overwhelming, especially if it’s an employee’s first time sustaining a work-related injury. Effective communication is crucial for helping to ensure a workers’ compensation claim is processed fairly and promptly.
Notifying the employer and filing the claim promptly
Before engaging with the insurance company, injured employees should first notify their employer about the injury. Injured employees should remember that delays in reporting could raise questions about the validity of their claims. After informing the employer, employees can proceed to file the compensation claim.
Keeping detailed records
Documentation is an injured employee’s strongest ally in a workers’ compensation case. Employees should maintain a log of all communications with the insurance company. This documentation should include:
- Dates
- Times
- Names of insurance representatives
- The topics discussed
Injured employees should also remember to keep copies of:
- Medical records
- Hospital receipts
- Injury-related expenses
- Written correspondences
Suppose the insurance company requests specific documents; the employee should note the request date and send the documents promptly. Injured employees should remember to keep copies of requested documents for their records. Organized documentation demonstrates an injured employee’s seriousness and can serve as evidence if disputes arise.
Being honest and consistent
When speaking with the insurance company, injured employees should make sure they’re honest and consistent with the information they provide. Injured employees should accurately describe the following:
- How the accident occurred
- The extent of their injuries
- Any related symptoms
While it may be tempting, employees should avoid exaggerating or downplaying their condition. Insurance adjusters’ primary objective is to identify inconsistencies in an injured worker’s story. Any discrepancies in an injured employee’s description could harm their credibility. The key is mentioning all the symptoms without claiming additional injuries that a medical professional has not diagnosed.
Employees should always advocate for their right to workers’ compensation when they sustain a work-related injury. They can maximize their compensation by learning how to communicate with the insurance company. Employees should remember that working with a dedicated legal team can help make navigating the workers’ compensation process easier.