Dealing With A Work Injury And Your Employer Doesn't Want To Pay Worker's Compensation? What To Know
If you were hurt on the job and your employer is trying to say that your injuries aren't bad and you need to return to work, you want to see a lawyer and a doctor. There are a few different things you'll want to do before you meet with your lawyer, and before you agree to return to work. Your lawyer will work to get you worker's compensation, and to make sure you don't end up paying for all the bills from the accident. Here are a few things to consider.
Hire a Lawyer Immediately
Don't sign any paperwork, don't agree to anything with your employer, and don't disclose any of your medical bills to your employer. Talk with a lawyer right away to see if you have a case, and so you have representation at any time that you need it. The lawyer will start working on your case right away.
Ask for Video Footage
Many plants, shops, and commercial properties have internal surveillance cameras that they use to monitor the staff. If you were injured on the job there is a good chance that they have it recorded, and you'll want to get a hold of it before the recording is destroyed. If they aren't willing to hand it over to you this makes them look suspicious, and you may need a court order to get it.
Get an Independent Medical Exam
A medical professional that works for your employer or that you are sent to see by recommendation of your employer may have their best interest in mind. They may downplay your injuries or put that you can go back to work when you can't because the company doesn't want to pay for workers compensation. Get an independent medical exam to find out what's wrong with you, so you don't have to worry about a biased opinion and so you can get the treatment you need.
You don't want your company to try to force you back to work when you aren't healthy or healed, just because they don't want to pay you for the time that you have to be off because of the injury you got when you were on the job. There are so many potential problems that can occur if you are forced to go back to work before you are ready. Do these three things and you're on the right track for a settlement.