It’s a well-known fact that construction accidents happen relatively often on any given day. The injuries can range from mild bumps and scrapes to life-altering damage that leads to extended hospital stays and permanent disability. When accidents happen on the job site, workers and employers need to know their rights regarding insurance claims through the Workers Compensation Act.
6 Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Construction Accident
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Not reporting an injury to a supervisor
The law requires employees to report any work injuries. Workers should report any damage directly to a supervisor or employee of the company, as the employer’s claims adjuster can only compensate for injuries that have been reported. Employees who do not report their injuries will not be able to recover insurance money for those injuries.
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Not seeing a doctor
Many construction workers choose to treat minor on-the-job injuries at home. In most cases, this is an unwise move. If an injury appears serious, a worker should seek medical attention as soon as possible. While the worker may be permitted to go home by his supervisor and return the next day, it is essential to inform the insurance company about the injury as soon as it happens because they must take inspectable claims within 30 days of the incident valid.
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Not being honest about the extent of the injury
Fibbing about how bad an injury is can lead to insurance issues. The adjuster will always want to know if a worker was at fault in an accident and whether or not he knowingly tried to hide damages from his employer. Being dishonest can also result in delays in workers’ compensation payments and reductions in benefits.
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Not completing an accurate workers’ compensation claim form
They must fill out claim forms in a specific manner and use them for insurance claims for minor injuries. Workers should avoid filling out the form too quickly because it could end up being inaccurate, which will cause a delay in receiving money from the insurance company.
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Not consulting a lawyer
A construction accident attorney can advise on whether filing a claim is suitable for the worker and which claims form to use. Depending on the level of the injury, it may be possible to sue an employer who might have been responsible for causing or failing to prevent the damage. Attorneys can also help workers and employers prepare financially for a potential lawsuit against their employers or insurance companies.
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Not getting the proper treatment
Injuries not treated correctly can lead to more severe health issues later. If a worker does not get proper care after an accident on the job, his insurance company may be at fault for failing to diagnose and treat injuries promptly. Furthermore, suppose a worker does not get proper medical advice about dealing with the damage and subsequently suffers from pain or other complications. In that case, he may be able to hold his employer or insurance company accountable for failing to treat him correctly.
Construction accident cases are not always straightforward, and insurance companies tend to be skeptical of injuries reported in an attempt to get money. However, suppose a worker is willing to register the accident to the correct people and file the proper forms from the outset. In that case, he can save himself and his employer from unnecessary legal fights.
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