When you are unable to work due to an injury or illness caused by your employment, it can impact you physically and financially. Workers’ compensation benefits could help pay for your medical care and a portion of your lost wages. Below are several things you can do to help preserve your workers’ compensation claim and possibly increase the value of settlement offers you or your attorney receive.
Our Appleton workers’ compensation lawyers are prepared to help you obtain the benefits you need to make a recovery and move forward with your life. Contact us today to determine if you may have a valid claim.
Immediately Report Your Injury
In Wisconsin, it is recommended that you report your work-related injury to your employer within 30 days, although employees have up to two years after the date of the injury to notify their employers. If the employer knew or should have known about the injury, the deadline for filing a claim is six years.
However, you should report your injury as soon as possible. If you delay, your claim may be denied. The claims administrator may think you were not injured at all or that you are exaggerating your injuries.
Seek Prompt Medical Care
It is important that you seek medical attention after suffering an injury at work. Not only could prompt medical care help you make a faster, more complete recovery, it can help document your injuries or condition and link it to your employment. Your doctor will note this information in your medical records, which could help support your claim for workers’ compensation.
Change Your Treating Physician
In many states, injured workers are sent to a doctor chosen by their employer for treatment. This can create a conflict of interest, as that doctor is paid by the company’s insurance carrier and may not be looking out for the employee’s best interests.
In Wisconsin, you have the right to choose your doctor. If you do not feel the doctor is providing good treatment, you should look into changing to another treating physician.
Gather Witness Statements
If there was anyone who saw the incident, their testimony may be helpful later on in proving your injury occurred at work and was not due to a pre-existing condition. Be sure to gather names and contact information from any witnesses present so that your lawyer may be able to reach out and collect written statements from them.
Understand Your Work Benefits
You may be eligible for different forms of compensation depending on your situation. Benefits available through workers’ compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Temporary disability pay
- Permanent disability pay
- Mileage reimbursement to and from doctor appointments
- Vocational rehabilitation
Keep Detailed Notes of Everything
Keep copies of the incident report, your medical bills and medical records, employment records as well as letters and other correspondence from your employer and its insurance provider.
Contact Our Attorneys for Help
If you were injured on the job or are suffering from an illness caused by your employment, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Our attorneys at Sigman Janssen are ready to help navigate the legal system on your behalf while you focus on your recovery.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to learn your more about your rights. We charge no upfront fees and payment is only due if we recover compensation for you.
Call (877) 888-5201 or complete our Free Case Review form.