If you are injured at your workplace as a result of an accident that prevents you from returning, then you are entitled to workers’ compensation. The system is put in place to cover medical costs and protect employees who are no longer able to earn income due to injuries sustained while on the job. Like most government systems, there is a high denial rate, partly to save money and also due to the large number of people submitting false claims. Although the system is difficult, there are some things you can do to give yourself the best possible chance of receiving the benefits you deserve.

Be sure to report every injury sustained

Any time you are injured on the job or made sick on the job, you should report it to the proper channels. It’s not enough to tell your boss and walk away; you must have it in writing, which means filling out a detailed incident report. If you are not given a report to complete, your employer will have no record of the injury and may deny that you ever complained to them. If there is no paperwork or an insurance adjuster doesn’t call you to discuss it, then something is wrong. Follow up with your boss or climb the ladder until you get results.

Keep detailed medical records

You should tell anyone who cares for you that your injury occurred at your workplace so they can send your medical bill to workers’ compensation and not to you. If you choose to visit a doctor that is not suggested by your employer, you need to make sure that he or she is certified for workers’ compensation claims, otherwise you will have to foot the bill and have to seek reimbursement, which can take a long time. Be sure to keep copies on file in your records from every hospital or doctor visit you’ve had, as these records will come in handy if you aggravate a previous work injury and need to prove it.

Beware of Employers Refusing Your Coverage

In certain cases, it is the employer who is responsible for the employee not getting workers’ compensation, often convincing employees not to file a claim by lying and saying they would not be approved. Workers’ compensation is no-fault insurance, which means that even if you caused the accident (within reason), you’ll still be covered. Some employers convince employees that the accident was their fault and that they will not be covered. This is a way for companies to maintain their safety records by keeping accidents off the books and saving money they would have to pay in compensation.

There are ways to ensure that you get the best benefits possible on your workers’ compensation claim, and they just require hard work, dedication, patience, and possibly a personal injury attorney. The most important thing to know is that lying or cheating is not only illegal, it rarely works. Always be honest. If your claim is valid, you should hopefully have no problem receiving full workers’ compensation for your injuries.