Mistakes People Make After an On-The-Job Injury
Workplace accidents remain far too common in our region. Each year, thousands of people in Wisconsin are forced to miss time on the job because of a serious incident. Workers’ comp insurance offers some much-needed financial protection — ensuring injured employees get medical treatment and compensation for lost wages.
Unfortunately, many people make mistakes after suffering a work injury. These mistakes could undermine your ability to get the full and fair benefits that you rightfully deserve. If you have any specific questions about your rights or your options, reach out to our workers’ compensation lawyers in Milwaukee for immediate help.
Five Common Mistakes People Make After Suffering an On-the-Job Injury
Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you were hurt on the job in Milwaukee, you need to see a doctor. Above all else, seeking professional medical attention is necessary for your own health, safety, and well-being. You deserve high-quality care. Beyond that, you cannot access workers’ compensation benefits in Wisconsin unless you see a doctor.
Not Reporting the Work Accident to Your Employer
All on-the-job injuries should be reported right away. The Department of Workforce Development is clear: “An injured employee should give notice to the employer within 30 days of any injury.” Failure to do so could be used as an excuse to deny your claim. Protect your rights by telling your employer as soon as possible.
Thinking that Telling Your Supervisor is the Same as Filing for Benefits
It is important to emphasize that reporting your injury to your employer is not the same thing as filing for workers’ comp benefits. Notifying your company or organization is a necessary step. From there, you need to make sure you file a workers’ comp claim.
Skipping Medical Appointments or Declining Follow-Up Care
Injured workers should continue receiving professional care until they reach the point of maximum medical improvement (MMI). One of the biggest mistakes you can make is skipping medical appointments or declining to seek follow-up care. Beyond the health considerations, doing so could undermine your workers’ comp claim.
Giving Up After Receiving a Workers’ Comp Denial Letter
Finally, you should not give up if you receive a denial of your initial workers’ comp claim. Many claims are denied in error. You have the right to file an appeal. If you got a denial letter, set up a free consultation with an experienced Milwaukee workers’ comp appeals attorney. A lawyer will help you take action to protect your rights and get your benefits.
Get Professional Help: Find a Workers Comp Lawyer Near Me
At Gillick, Wicht, Gillick & Graf, our Milwaukee workers’ comp attorneys are reliable and forceful advocates for workers and their families. We have been the region’s most trusted work injury law firm since 1948. Contact us right away to set up a free, completely private review of your case. We represent injured workers throughout Wisconsin, including in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Kenosha, South Milwaukee and Janesville.