How Can I Mess Up My Vermont Workers’ Compensation Claim?
If you were injured at work in Vermont, you can file a workers’ compensation claim and recover benefits. Though the workers’ compensation system is meant to protect employees with work-related injuries, it is up to you to take steps to help you recover the benefits you deserve. Insurance companies and employees always try to pay injured employees less than they deserve. As a workers’ compensation claimant, you must avoid giving your employer or the insurance company ammunition that can hurt your claim. You must avoid making mistakes that can mess up your claim. Unfortunately, even one mistake is enough to mess up your workers’ compensation claim.
Keep reading to learn about some of the mistakes you must avoid making that can mess up your Vermont workers’ compensation claim.
Failing To Give an Accurate Account of Your Injuries
If you fail to describe your injuries fully and accurately to your doctor, it can result in inaccurate medical records. Remember, the proof of the extent of your injury lies in your medical records. You don’t want your medical records to show your injury as being less severe than it actually is.
However, do not exaggerate your injuries. This can be just as dangerous as giving less than the full details, if not more dangerous.
Failing to Comply With Treatment
Another way you can mess up your Vermont workers’ compensation claim is if you fail to comply with treatment. If, for example, your doctor recommends physical therapy, ensure you follow their instructions. The insurance company wants to see that you are committed and motivated to recover from your injury.
It is also crucial that you attend your IME if one is scheduled. An IME, or Independent Medical Examination, provides the insurance company with an independent opinion about your injury and treatment to help with decisions. Your employer can decline your workers’ compensation claim if you refuse to attend an Independent Medical Examination.
Posting on Social Media
A private investigator might be hired to conduct surveillance after you file your workers’ compensation claim. The insurance company might also look at your social media accounts to find things to use against you. If you post anything inconsistent with your injuries, it might mess up your claim. For example, if you post a picture of you doing something, such as hiking, that is inconsistent with your injuries, it might harm your claim.
Failure To Disclose a Pre-existing Injury
The fact that you sustained a similar injury in the past does not mean your workers’ compensation claim is invalid. You can recover workers’ compensation benefits even if you have a pre-existing injury. However, if you hide your pre-existing injury or misrepresent it, that can hurt your claim. If you lie about your pre-existing injury and the insurance company or your employer finds out (which they will), it will ruin your credibility.
Contact Us for Legal Help
While you can handle your workers’ compensation claim without legal representation, it is best that you retain an attorney. To get help with your workers’ compensation claim, contact our experienced and dedicated Vermont workers’ compensation attorney at Sluka Law PLC.
Source:
law.cornell.edu/wex/workers_compensation
