When you’re hurt at work, your biggest consolation is that workers’ compensation is there to cover your medical bills and allow you to keep afloat while you recover. Then it happens: you get a notice that your workers’ compensation claim has been denied. What can you do? Do you have options? Was there something you should’ve done differently in the first place?
The truth is, many workers’ comp claims are denied the first time out. You can challenge these denials, but there are also steps you can take to help offset the chances before it happens in the first place. Learn how Colorado workers’ compensation works, what it covers, the problems you might face and how to make sure you get covered for your injury.
Report Your Injury
The first thing you need to do is report your injury and do it right away. There are time limits within which you must act in order for your claim to get the attention it deserves. As soon as you suffer an injury, or within a day or two at most, be sure you report it to your supervisor and file an official accident report.
See a Doctor
If your injury is serious enough for workers’ compensation, it’ll be serious enough for medical attention. At least, that’s how the insurance company will see it. The sooner you see a doctor and get checked out, the better it will look on your accident report.
Be Honest and Thorough
When you file your report, make sure you’re completely honest and thorough about what happened. Be as detailed as you can be, but don’t over-inflate or exaggerate any parts of it. You’re talking pure facts, not writing a story.
During the entire process, keep detailed and thorough records of everything that happens, from reporting the incident to every receipt or treatment record from your doctor. Get the names of witnesses in case you need their testimony. The more records you have to back up your story, the better off you’ll be.
Be Consistent
Throughout the process, you’ll be asked to talk about your incident a number of times. Be as perfectly consistent as possible. Nobody’s perfect, but never add details that you didn’t talk about before, and try not to forget the important points that you made on your report. Consistency is vital to avoiding the insurer’s questions about your claim.
Follow Instructions
During the process, you’ll likely be given lists of approved physicians and other steps to take in order to move your claim forward. Follow these instructions to the letter, or at least as best you can. If you have an issue, address it directly rather than ignoring it. Working with your company and the insurer is your best bet to getting covered.
Hire a Colorado Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Finally, no matter what happens, you should seek help from a qualified and knowledgeable Colorado workers’ compensation attorney. Lawyers know how to help you navigate the tricky waters of a workers’ comp claim, and how to support your claim and fight denials, should you face stumbling blocks.
If you live in Southern Colorado and need help with your claim, contact the attorneys at Heuser & Heuser LLP, today. We’re ready to remove the stress from your case and get you the compensation you deserve.
