Common Mistakes To Avoid in Your Charlotte Work Comp Claim

If you wish to file a work comp claim in North Carolina, be aware that you’re bound to face challenges. These difficulties can arise from your employers or their workers’ comp insurance adjusters. Sometimes, the challenges stem from your own mistakes or negligence. Unfortunately, work comp claims are complicated, and even the slightest mistakes can make you lose your work comp benefits.

When problems arise from the employer or insurer, you can easily fight it with your work comp lawyer’s help. However, when you are at fault, it can be very embarrassing. As such, it’s essential to understand how to deal with your work comp claims to avoid making unnecessary mistakes.

It all starts by educating yourself about the common mistakes you’re likely to make as you proceed with your claim. Next, you must put strategies in place to help you avoid those mistakes. Most times, merely having an experienced Charlotte work comp attorney is all you need to help you avoid silly mistakes. Read on to learn more about all you need to know on preventing errors in your work comp claim.

What Mistakes Can Hurt My Workers’ Compensation Claim in Charlotte, NC?

There are many mistakes workers’ compensation claimants would likely make as they progress in their claims. The most common ones are:

• Delay or Outright Refusal to Report Work-Related Accidents in Time 

One of the first things to do after a work-related accident is to report your injuries to your employer. Unfortunately, many employees fail to do this on time and complicate their work comp claims further. Also, you must file the NC FORM 18 as soon as possible.

• Failing to Visit the Recommended Physician 

Before you take any significant step towards getting work comp benefits, you must read and understand your company’s policies. For example, if your employer mandates that you see a specific doctor when you have work-related injuries, you must do so. Refusing to visit your employer’s choice of physician is terrible for your case. Also, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s treatment plan to the latter.

• Failure to Seek a Second Opinion 

While you must visit the recommended physician, you are not confined to just one doctor. It’s always wise to seek a second doctor’s opinion to ensure that you’re receiving the best care possible.

• Settling Your Claims Before Reaching MMI

Work comp attorneys always advise clients never to settle their claims before reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI). Doing otherwise may mean getting fewer benefits than you deserve.

• Giving Inconsistent Reports of the Accident 

Your employer or insurance provider will constantly scrutinize your claims to identify any loopholes in your statements. As such, any inconsistency in your accounts of the accident would mean shooting yourself in the leg. That’s why you must always give an accurate and precise representation of events while avoiding the need to exaggerate.

• Giving a Recorded Statement Before Hiring an Attorney 

You don’t have to give any statement to your employer or insurer before consulting with your lawyer. However, if you must, ensure that the statement isn’t on the record.

• Refusing to Hire a Work Comp Lawyer 

Never make the mistake of neglecting to hire a work comp attorney for your case. You’re more likely to lose your compensation benefits that way.

Why Do I Need a Charlotte Work Comp Attorney?

Having a work comp attorney for your compensation claims can be all you need to guarantee a successful claims process. Your work comp lawyer will:

• Negotiate settlement agreements on your behalf to ensure that you get maximum compensation
• Ensure that you meet all the legal requirements for a successful work comp claim
• Gather the necessary pieces of evidence you need to prove your claim
• Offer you top-notch legal representation at your work comp hearing or trial
• Advise you on the best strategies for the best results
• Offer you moral support
• File appeals and seek additional compensation where necessary

Contact Us at Waple and Houk Today!

Have you sustained work-related injuries in Charlotte, NC? Do you wish to pursue your workers’ compensation benefits without errors? If yes, our top-level Charlotte work comp lawyers can help you get adequate compensation without hassles. In addition, you don’t have to wait for your employer or their insurer to deny your claims before contacting us.

At Waple and Houk, you don’t have to worry about paying any upfront fees for consulting with us. Asides from that, you can be sure of our unrivaled attention to even the most minor details of your case. We are just as dedicated to seeing that you get speedy justice as much as you are. So contact us right now, and let’s get started on your claim immediately.