Employers in Washington state are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance in order to protect both employees and employers from issues that may arise in the aftermath of a work-related injury or illness. Essentially, injured workers are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits through this system. In exchange, the worker cannot take legal action against the employer for the injuries they suffered. According to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), workers’ compensation “pays for an injured worker’s approved medical, hospital and related services that are essential to their treatment and recovery.” Additionally, injured workers who are unable to work during their recovery may also receive compensation that partially replaces their wages.
The process for filing workers’ compensation in Washington state is relatively straightforward, but seemingly minor mistakes or oversights can derail otherwise valid claims and deny you the compensation you need to support your recovery. While enlisting the guidance of an experienced Seattle workers’ compensation attorney is not required in order to submit a claim, taking this step is highly recommended to ensure that the process moves forward smoothly and successfully. This post will explore some of the most common workers’ compensation claim mistakes to avoid so that you can maximize your chances of obtaining the financial benefits you need to focus on your recovery.
Understanding the Workers’ Compensation Process in Washington State
First, it’s worth taking a look at what to do when injured at work so that you can navigate the workers’ compensation filing process with greater ease and confidence. Washington’s L&I provides information about the steps you need to take immediately following a workplace accident. If your injuries require immediate medical attention, be sure to seek this care as soon as possible. When you arrive, you should notify the hospital staff that you were injured at work. Even if your injuries are not severe enough to warrant an immediate trip to the hospital, it’s essential that you visit a doctor within the next day or two to receive a comprehensive medical evaluation that documents the nature, extent, and severity of your injuries. You must also notify your employer right away of the workplace accident or injuries you suffered while on the job. The employer needs to be aware of any incidents and follow accident reporting protocols to ensure that the details of the accident are thoroughly documented. A Report of Accident will need to be completed by the attending health care provider and submitted to L&I. Once L&I receives this document, a claims manager will be assigned to oversee your case and gather additional information as needed before accepting or denying your workers’ compensation claim.
Top Mistakes That Can Lead to a Denied Workers’ Compensation Claim in King County
Although the process for filing a workers’ compensation claim is relatively straightforward, there are issues that may arise and delay this process or lead to a denial of benefits. Below are just a few of the most common mistakes to avoid when moving through the workers’ compensation claim process so that you can maximize your chances of securing these benefits as quickly as possible.
Not Reporting the Injury Right Away
Any failure to report the injury or accident can undermine the strength of your workers’ compensation claim. Your employer and the claims manager may view your claim with skepticism if they find that you waited too long to report your injuries. To improve your chances of securing the workers’ compensation benefits you need, be sure to report the injury as soon as possible so that you can show all involved parties how seriously you are taking your health and physical recovery.
Failing to Secure Medical Documentation
Doctors and hospital staff play critical roles in the workers’ compensation claims process. If you do not seek medical care or have your injuries assessed by a medical professional, it is nearly impossible for L&I to determine the nature and severity of your injuries or occupational disease.
Ignoring Treatment Plans or Returning to Work Too Soon
If you do not follow the proposed treatment plan or return to work too early, you risk subjecting yourself to further injury or harm. L&I works closely with workers, employers, and healthcare providers to establish a recovery plan and a reasonable return to work timeline that supports the worker’s healing needs. Working through pain, failing to attend follow-up appointments with your doctor, or engaging in other strenuous activities during your recovery period can seriously jeopardize your workers’ compensation claim.
Submitting Incomplete or Inaccurate Forms
In order to approve your workers’ compensation claim, L&I needs to review certain information that provides a clear picture of your injuries, proposed treatments, and recovery plan. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation will likely result in denied workers’ compensation claims.
How to Avoid Workers’ Compensation Claim Delays or Denials
As you move through the workers’ compensation claim filing process in Washington state, it may be worth enlisting the guidance of a knowledgeable and experienced Seattle workers’ compensation lawyer to ensure that your claim is approved. Keeping detailed records of the accident, your injuries, and your medical treatment is the best way to make sure that the claim you submit is complete, thorough, and accurate. In some cases, it may be worth seeking a second medical opinion to show your commitment to your physical recovery after the workplace accident. Moreover, a highly skilled and caring attorney can help you follow up on the status of your workers’ compensation claim and meet all deadlines on-time. While legal guidance can be useful for anyone, it’s particularly helpful in cases that involve disputes over medical treatment, return to work timelines, or the need for retraining services. You can learn more about reporting workplace injuries and filing workers’ compensation claims today when you reach out to Scott & Scott, PLLC, Seattle’s go-to personal injury and workers’ compensation law firm.
If you have suffered a workplace injury in Washington state, you need reliable and effective legal representation as soon as possible to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. To learn more about filing for workers’ compensation and navigating this process with greater confidence, reach out to Scott & Scott, PLLC, today at (206) 622-2200 to discuss your options with an experienced and caring Seattle attorney.