Reasons Why Employees Don’t File Workers Compensation Claims

Job related injuries can lead to missed work, medical visits and expenses, and even anxiety about returning to work. Workers compensation is designed to protect employees, their health, and their income. Employees are entitled to a safe working environment and may qualify for workers compensation if they were injured in an accident or developed a chronic illness due to unknown toxins in the atmosphere. Workers compensation covers all related medical bills, no matter how long it takes to treat the injury, and will cover up to two-thirds of lost income the employee might experience if the injury limits their mobility. Even though these policies are in place, some employees feel uncomfortable filing claims. A few reasons employees might hesitate about filing a claim are listed below.

1. Don’t want to be fired. Some employees fear they will lose their jobs if their bosses find out they’ve filed a compensation claim. Actually, companies are prohibited from firing an employee based on a compensation claim, and can even be sued for wrongful termination if they do so. Many employers are devastated to learn one of their workers sustained an injury on the job, and do everything in their power to help the employee through the process.
2. Don’t want to sue their company. Some employees like the company they work for and don’t want to hurt the company financially over an accidental injury. The employee needs to understand that a compensation claim is not directly suing the company, but rather using their insurance. Companies have workers compensation insurance for a reason, and it doesn’t hurt them financially if you use it.
3. It’s embarrassing. Some employees feel embarrassed about their injury or don’t want to be labeled as the company klutz. However, if your injury gets worse or you need medical treatment, it might be more embarrassing to have waited and then ask for compensation later. Don’t let the fear of embarrassment prevent you from receiving the help you need in the moment.
4. Don’t want to get lawyers involved. Lawyers have gotten a bad rap, but most have a wealth of information ready to share with you and want to act in your best interest. Lawyers can sometimes be scary, but they also can be the difference in receiving fair compensation and not getting anything at all. If you’ve been injured on the job, a lawyer can be your best asset. Sometimes just a consultation meeting can put your mind at ease about the whole process.

Sustaining an injury at work can be scary, embarrassing, or worrisome, but there should be no deterrents for filing a legitimate claim. Furthermore, if you don’t file a claim, it could cost you in the long run. If your injury gets worse and you need medical treatment, workers compensation may not cover you if it’s been more than 30 days since the incident occurred. Also, if you try to use your personal insurance for medical expenses related to the injury, your insurance might sue you since it’s not responsible for covering that, workers compensation is. Workers compensation also covers all medical related expenses too, so you won’t have to pay for anything. Lastly, if you have to miss work due to the injury, workers compensation will cover part of your lost wages.

If you think you have a worker compensation claim, it’s best to get it handled right away and to talk to an attorney if needed.  If for some reason your company or its insurance tries to deny your claim, Klezmer Maudlin PC suggest speaking with an attorney immediately before you are denied of your rightful benefits.