Mistakes You Can Make that Can Jeopardize Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
When you’ve been injured on the job in New Jersey, you can typically file a workers’ compensation claim. You don’t need to show that your employer was careless or negligent. You only need to prove that you were injured and that the injury occurred while you were working.
It may seem like a relatively straightforward process, but you can expect your employer and the work comp insurance company to conduct an investigation. They will also typically be on the lookout for ways to either minimize or deny your claim. It’s important that refrain from doing certain things that may compromise your rights:
- Don’t engage in any unnecessary physical activity—Don’t be surprised if the work comp insurance company has someone watching you. If you go out and mow the lawn or shovel show off the sidewalk, but you’re seeking benefits for a back injury, you may have problems with your claim. Err on the side of caution. If any physical act causes pain, either immediately or as an after-effect, don’t do it. Let someone else take care of things for you.
- If at all possible, stay completely off social media—If there’s a picture on Facebook of you dancing, skiing or participating in some other type of physical activity, it can be used against you in a workers’ compensation claim. Anything you post, including a casual mention of some physical activity, can be entered into evidence when you seek work comp benefits. Tell friends and family not to post anything about you online until your claim is approved and you start receiving benefits.
- Don’t ignore the recommendations of your doctor—If your doctor prescribes treatment and you don’t get it, you may lose some or all of your benefits. Now is not the time to be strong…go to the doctor and follow the doctor’s advice.
- Don’t try to handle your work comp claim by yourself—It may seem like a no-brainer, but your employer and the workers’ compensation insurance company will have skilled and experienced attorneys working to deny your claim. You need your own counsel to protect your rights.
Contact Howard D. Popper, P.C.
At Howard D. Popper, P.C., we can help protect your rights. For a free initial consultation to discuss your options after any type of personal injury, contact our office online or call 973-993-8787 to set up an appointment. We have offices in Morristown and Newton.
We handle all personal injury claims on a contingent fee basis. You won’t pay any attorney fees unless we recover damages for your losses.