Whether you work in Virginia or North Carolina, if you experience an injury on the job, you may be able to receive needed compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more.
Unfortunately, your employer’s insurance provider may try to deny your claim if you cannot provide enough evidence about the cause and the severity of your injury. Here are three tips to help you build a successful worker’s comp claim.
1. Report your injury to your employer
Whether your injury seems relatively minor or requires emergency medical care, it is important to inform your supervisor/employer as soon as you can, preferably in writing. Let your employer know when and how the injury occurred and request a copy of the written incident report for your own records.
2. Let medical providers know the cause of your injury
Medical records are often the first thing insurance companies look at when reviewing a claim. From immediate medical treatment to follow-up visits with your doctor or other providers, make sure you explain each time that your injury happened at work.
3. Follow your health care provider’s instructions
After seeking immediate medical care, it is also important to follow through with tests or treatments your provider orders. Diagnostic tests are often essential for proving the extent of your injury, and the insurance company may be more likely to approve your claim if you can show that your condition requires ongoing care.
Workers’ comp insurance is a no-fault system, which generally means you do not have to prove that you were not at fault to receive benefits for a work-related injury. However, documenting your injury from the start may help to improve your chances of receiving full compensation under the law.
