How Long Should You Wait To File a Workers' Comp Claim?

Good for the Company is Not Good for You

A common scenario we see on a regular basis is when someone calls in with a workers’ compensation claim that is being denied because it wasn’t reported, or was reported after a significant period of time.  Many companies post in conspicuous spots in their warehouses, or other workspace the amount of time it has been since an on the job injury occurred.  Sometimes, there is an unspoken pressure on an injured worker to not report a claim so that they “don’t mess it up for everybody else.”  Likewise, witnesses to a workers’ compensation case involving one of their co-workers often feel pressured to do witness statements that present the facts in the light most favorable to the company, or that simply state that they “witnessed nothing at all.”

If you are injured on the job, report it immediately, and don’t be afraid about the repercussions to your fellow employees.  What is good for the company in this case, is not good for your health, and that of your family.  Your company has the legal obligation in an accepted workers’ compensation case to pay your medical bills in full, pay you compensation at 2/3 of your average weekly wage if you are written out of work, and compensate you for a permanent injury.  Ironically, we see people that did not report their on the job injury “for the good of the  company” get terminated because they can no longer work due to their injury.

Workers’ compensation cases can be confusing, especially when your company is just doing what is best for it!  You need someone to look out for you, so call Tippens & Zurosky, so we can be your voice, answer all of your questions, and file your claim!  Tippens & Zurosky has knowledgeable, experienced attorneys certified in North Carolina and South Carolina, who can fight for your rights during this often long and difficult workers' compensation process.  Call us toll-free at 877-872-3580, or at 704-343-0018, for a free consultation.  Let us help you!