Do You Know What To Do To Protect Your Workers’ Compensation Claim?
At Johnson, Mulholland, Cochrane, Cochrane, Yung & Engler, P.L.C., we have decades of experience helping injured Iowa workers claim much-needed workers’ compensation benefits after a serious workplace accident or occupational illness. Unfortunately, we have seen far too many legitimate claims denied or underpaid because the injured workers made avoidable mistakes or simply didn’t have the guidance of an attorney.
On this page, we’ve provided some tips for anyone who has just experienced a workplace accident. After reading, we invite you to discuss your case with us during a free initial consultation.
Report Your Injury Promptly And In Writing
Any injury that requires more than first-aid treatment needs to be reported to your employer within 90 days, preferably as soon as possible. It’s not enough to expect that your boss knew about it or that someone else told them about it. Make sure the injury report is submitted in writing. Failing to take this simple step is a common reason why workplace injury claims get denied.
Comply With Treatment Requirements And Limitations
Your employer and the insurance company get to decide which physicians and facilities will treat their injured workers. When you start to receive regular treatment, you’ll need to choose a provider off of the approved list to ensure your medical bills get paid. The notable exception to this rule is seeking emergency care immediately following a workplace accident because it is critical to seek care as soon as possible.
You’ll also need to follow treatment recommendations or risk losing your benefits.
Gather And Keep Detailed Records
From the beginning of your case, you should compile records that include:
- Logs of work-related activities before and after the injury occurred
- Medical records from all providers involved in your treatment and recovery
- Names of witnesses to your accident and any evidence connected to your injury or illness
You should also keep records of out-of-pocket expenses that may be eligible for later reimbursement. This could include bills for the initial ER visit, mileage for traveling to and from medical visits and pharmacy receipts.
Choose Your Words Carefully When Speaking To Insurance Adjusters
The insurance company’s main priority is to protect its own bottom line. Anything you say to an adjuster could potentially be used to limit or deny your claim. Therefore, it is best to have an attorney speak on your behalf whenever possible. That leads to the final tip, given below.
Contact An Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Legally, you don’t need your own lawyer for a workers’ comp claim. Practically, however, hiring an attorney is often a smart move. Our attorneys are highly knowledgeable about Iowa workers’ compensation law, and we can protect your rights and legal options from the very moment we are hired. Our goal is to help you claim the benefits you need and deserve for as long as your injury keeps you out of work or only able to work part-time. We can answer any questions about workers’ compensation law in Iowa and welcome you to contact us if you have specific concerns.
Free Consultations Available – Reach Out Today
Johnson, Mulholland, Cochrane, Cochrane, Yung & Engler, P.L.C., has offices in Fort Dodge and Gowrie, and we serve clients throughout the surrounding areas of Iowa. Since our founding in 1950, we have helped countless injured workers claim benefits. We can help you, too. To schedule your free initial consultation, just reach out online or call our Fort Dodge office at 515-639-3124 or our Gowrie office at 515-346-6346.