The Top 10 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Workers’ Comp Claim

Additionally, you might find yourself in a tangle of administrative difficulties, including reimbursement issues between your personal insurer and the workers’ compensation insurer. If your private insurance initially covers your costs, they may seek reimbursement from the workers’ compensation insurer, adding another layer of complexity and potential delay to your claim. Therefore, it’s best to stick with the workers’ comp system for work-related injuries.

Know Your Rights and Responsibilities: SC Workers’ Compensation Eligibility.

Explore the key factors affecting eligibility, including employee status, the nature of the injury or illness, and reporting and filing deadlines.

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4. Providing Incomplete or Inaccurate Information

Accurate details are essential for validating your claim and determining the level of benefits you’re entitled to. Incomplete or incorrect information can create doubts about the legitimacy of your claim and potentially delay the approval process. 

Insurance companies are always on the lookout for inconsistencies or inaccuracies that could justify denying a claim or reducing benefits. Furthermore, providing false information could be seen as fraud, leading to a complete denial of benefits and potential legal consequences.

In South Carolina, like in many other states, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you may still qualify for benefits even if the accident was your fault. However, any discrepancy in the information you provide can cast doubt on your case, making it crucial to be as thorough and accurate as possible when supplying details related to your injury.

5. Not Following Medical Advice

When you disregard the treatment plan or recommendations provided by your health care provider, insurance adjusters may argue that you’re either not as injured as you claim or that you’re contributing to the ongoing nature of your condition. This could lead to a reduction in your benefits or even a complete denial of your claim.

Also, since it’s often the employer who chooses the health care provider for work-related injuries, failure to follow the medical advice of the provider chosen by your employer could give the insurance company grounds to terminate your benefits. Not to mention that ignoring medical advice can have long-term consequences for your health, prolonging your recovery time or causing your condition to worsen.

In essence, following your doctor’s recommendations is crucial for both your physical recovery and the success of your workers’ compensation claim. Always remember that your actions and adherence to medical advice are under scrutiny throughout the claims process, and any deviations can have serious ramifications.

6. Returning to Work Too Soon

While financial strains during recovery might make you want to go back to work and “tough it out” so you can start earning your full wages again, this is not advisable. If you go back to work before you’re medically cleared, insurers may interpret this as an indication that your injuries are not as severe as initially claimed. This could result in a reduction of your benefits or even the termination of the claim altogether.

In South Carolina, workers’ compensation benefits typically include wage replacement for the time you’re unable to work. Returning to work prematurely may jeopardize these benefits, as it may appear you no longer need them.

Additionally, coming back too early and performing tasks that exacerbate your injury could slow down your recovery or cause further harm, leading to more complex medical issues down the line.

It’s essential to consult with your health care provider and ensure you’re cleared for all work activities before returning to your job. Doing so not only safeguards your health but also preserves the integrity of your workers’ compensation claim.

7. Posting on Social Media

Posting on social media about your work-related injury or activities during your recovery period can be highly detrimental to your workers’ compensation claim. Insurers and employers often scour social media platforms for evidence that can be used to dispute the severity of your injury, your need for medical treatment, or your inability to work.

Even posts that seem innocent or unrelated can be misconstrued and used against you, so it’s best to avoid posting anything on social media during your recovery.

For example, a picture of you lifting something heavy or even engaging in a simple activity like pushing your child on a swing could be interpreted as evidence that your injury isn’t as debilitating as claimed. Additionally, frequent “check-ins,” regardless of the locations, could indicate that your pain isn’t preventing you from moving around and participating in the activities you enjoy.

Because of this, it’s advisable to be cautious and limit your social media activity while your workers’ compensation claim is pending. This ensures that you don’t inadvertently provide ammunition that could be used to reduce or deny your benefits.

8. Settling Without Understanding Future Medical Needs

Accepting a settlement without a clear understanding of your future medical needs can be a costly mistake when it comes to workers’ compensation claims. Settlements are designed to cover not only your current medical expenses but also any ongoing treatment you may require. Underestimating your future medical needs could leave you with insufficient funds to cover long-term care, therapies or additional surgeries.

In South Carolina, once you accept a workers’ compensation settlement, you usually can’t go back and request additional compensation later on. This is particularly problematic if complications arise or your condition worsens over time, as you’ll have to bear the financial burden yourself.

Moreover, insurance companies are often looking to close claims with the least financial expenditure possible. They may offer you a sum that seems substantial now but is not adequate for covering potential future medical expenses. Without a thorough understanding of what your injury could cost you in the long run, you risk settling for less than what you will actually need.

Therefore, before agreeing to any settlement, consult with medical professionals to get a comprehensive understanding of your likely future medical needs, and consider seeking legal advice from an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to ensure you’re making an informed decision.

Occupational Diseases in the Workplace

Did you know that workers’ comp doesn’t just cover injuries? It also covers occupational diseases like carpal tunnel syndrome and hearing loss that occur over time.

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9. Failing to Appeal a Denied Claim

If your claim is denied and you don’t appeal, you effectively lose your opportunity to obtain benefits that could help cover your medical bills and lost wages. In South Carolina, as in many other states, there are specific procedures and deadlines for appealing a denial, and ignoring these can mean you forfeit your rights to any compensation.

An Initial Denial Is Not the End of the Road.

Claims can be denied for various reasons, such as missing documentation or misunderstandings about the circumstances of the injury. An appeal gives you the chance to correct these issues and present additional evidence or arguments in your favor.

An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of an appeal. They can help you understand why your claim was denied, what additional information you need to provide, and what legal arguments can be made to strengthen your case.

10. Handling the Claim Without Legal Advice

Choosing to handle your workers’ compensation claim without legal advice can be a risky move that might compromise your chances of obtaining the benefits you deserve. While the workers’ compensation system is designed to be straightforward, the reality is often much more complex. 

Insurance companies have teams of experts whose jobs are to minimize payouts, and they’re well-versed in the technicalities that can lead to a reduced or denied claim.

Without legal guidance, you may not fully understand your rights or the compensation to which you’re entitled. This can result in accepting a lowball settlement that doesn’t adequately cover your medical expenses and lost wages, or worse, receiving a complete denial of your claim. Additionally, you might overlook deadlines for filing necessary paperwork or fail to gather sufficient evidence, both of which can seriously jeopardize your claim.

In states like South Carolina, where specific statutes and procedures govern workers’ compensation, having an experienced attorney can be invaluable. They can guide you through the process, help you understand what you’re entitled to, and represent your interests in dealings with insurance companies or employer representatives.

While you may think you’re saving money by not hiring an attorney, the risk of reduced or denied benefits could end up costing you much more in the long run. Legal advice can be crucial in ensuring that you receive the compensation you need to recover from your work-related injury.

Don’t Compromise Your Claim! Get Help From an Experienced Columbia Work Injury Attorney.

If you’ve suffered a serious work injury in South Carolina, it’s crucial to have a skilled workers’ compensation attorney by your side to minimize potential errors that could hurt your claim and reduce your compensation. 

At Smith, Born, Leventis, Taylor & Vega, our attorneys have the knowledge and experience you need to get maximum compensation for your claim. We offer free initial consultations to answer your questions and provide guidance about the potential value of your injury, so you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

Related Read: Can You Run an Online Business While on Workers’ Comp in South Carolina?

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