Most Georgia employers are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance. An employer pays for an insurance policy, and if you’re injured on the job, the protections are available to you to cover:
- Lost income
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Other related costs
After handling over 10,000 cases, we know that there are reasons workers avoid filing a claim and it negatively impacts their lives.
Some of the top reasons that workers avoid filing a workers’ compensation claim – and they shouldn’t – include:
1. They Don’t Know Their Rights
Employees have rights to workers’ compensation whether they’re working part-time or full-time. If your employer has three or more workers, they must have workers’ comp insurance.
If you don’t exercise your right to file a claim or report an accident, no one will do it for you.
Anyone who is unable to work for more than seven days due to their injuries is entitled to weekly income benefits.
2. They Worry About Their Jobs
Naturally, employees are worried that they’ll lose their jobs as a result of filing a claim. You will not lose your job unless you are no longer able to fulfill your duties even after you’ve fully healed.
3. They Want to Avoid the Process
Doctor visits, filing paperwork, showing proof of injuries, and a risk that a claim will be denied keep people from filing a claim in the first place. You should never avoid reporting the accident and filing a claim.
4. They Believe Their Injury Isn’t Serious Enough
“I’ll heal.” Often, workers are used to going to work sick and even hurt. If an injury is minor and the person can work through it, they will do so, even if that means that the pain or symptoms will only worsen.
If you’re injured at work or because of work, you should see a doctor and let a medical professional determine whether the injuries are serious enough to file a claim.
5. They Worry About the Costs
Paying fees, especially when you’re already injured, is often the last thing on a person’s must-do list. Employees often fear that they’ll need to pay legal fees when filing a claim, even if a claim is denied.
Most law firms – us included – do not get paid unless you do.
6. They Work Part-time or Seasonally
If an employer has three or more employees, you can file a workers’ compensation claim. The law allows any employee to file a claim, whether they’re part-time, full-time or even seasonal.
7. They Don’t Want to Stress Their Employers or Co-Workers
In some cases, injured workers avoid filing a claim because they don’t want to be seen as a burden to their employers or co-workers.
They fear that their injury may cause problems for others in the workplace. If they work for a small business, there may be concerns about leaving their employer short-staffed.
While these concerns are admirable, it’s important to remember that workers’ compensation insurance is designed for this type of scenario. If you are injured at work, your employer’s policy will help cover the cost of your care and lost wages.
8. They are Ashamed or Embarrassed of Their Injuries
Many workers who are injured on the job avoid filing a claim because they worry about their reputation in the workplace.
They don’t want to be viewed as inadequate by their co-workers or employers. Some workers are even ashamed or embarrassed of their injuries.
While it is natural to worry about the perception of others, it’s important to remember that your health is your top priority. Filing a workers’ compensation claim will help you get the care you need to recover and, hopefully, return to the workplace.
Why You Shouldn’t Avoid Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim if You’re Injured at Work
If you are injured on the job, you may be tempted to avoid filing a workers’ comp claim for any of the reasons above. But it’s important to remember that workers’ comp insurance is there for a reason – to cover the cost of workplace injuries.
You should not avoid filing a workers’ compensation claim because:
- It is your right to receive benefits if you have a valid claim
- You risk aggravating the injury if you do not get the care and treatment you need
- Delaying your claim may lead to the insurance company questioning whether the injury was really work-related
At The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson, we know that workers’ compensation is complicated. The process may seem intimidating, and you may not know which steps to take first.
We can help you navigate the process right from the start, and we won’t leave your side until you receive a fair award. We’ll advocate for you, fight to protect your rights and negotiate with insurance companies to achieve the best possible outcome.
If you have been injured at work, contact us today or give us a call to schedule a consultation to discuss your claim.
