What Not to Do After a Work Injury in Wilkes-Barre

Our Wilkes-Barre workers' compensation lawyers already shared a few pieces of advice about what you should do if you are injured at work. But, it's just as important to know what NOT to do in a workers' compensation case. Here are some key things to make sure you avoid:

1. Don't delay. The sooner you report your injury to your employer, the better. In Pennsylvania, the law requires that you notify your employer of a work-related injury within 120 days of the incident. But, it is in your best interest to report what happened immediately, even if you think your injuries are minor. What may seem like a minor incident can cause complications down the road, so it is best to have it documented.

2. Don't lie. In  a workers' compensation case, it is crucial that you are honest with your employer and your doctor about your injuries and how they occurred. Don't let your employer pressure you into lying about your work injury or what kind of pain you are in.  If you are not forthcoming with your doctor, your case and your health can be jeopardized. Also, keep in mind that insurance companies may attempt to investigate your claim, and that includes looking at what you post on social media.

3. Don't trust the insurance company. Unfortunately, the insurance company is not always likely to act in your best interest. As they are the party paying your benefits, it is in their best interest to minimize what is paid to you. If an insurance representative asks you for a recorded statement, you should decline to do so until you have consulted with an attorney.

4. Don't sign a final settlement receipt prematurely. Signing a “final settlement receipt of compensation” will terminate your workers' compensation benefits, so it is important that you do not sign this document until you have fully recovered from your injuries and are ready to return to work at full capacity.

5. Don't hire the wrong workers' compensation attorney. Because workers' compensation cases can be complicated, it is crucial that you get the help of an attorney who has extensive experience and a record of success with these types of cases. Hiring a Wilkes-Barre workers' compensation attorney with limited experience or who is not responsive to your needs can cost you your case and waste months of your time. Lots of lawyers claim to be the most experienced and the most qualified, so how do you know who to turn to? See their list of settlements and verdicts, and look for victories involving workers' compensation cases in particular. Look for testimonials from their past workers' compensation clients, and see what they have to say about their experiences. And, look at the attorney's credentials for peer review ratings and national recognition such as AVVO, Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers in America.

If you or a loved one have been injured at work, contact Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys to learn more about your legal rights and options. We offer FREE consultations, so you risk nothing by coming to speak to a lawyer about your case.