DeKalb County
Worker's Compensation
ATTORNEY

DELVENTHAL LAW

DOES YOUR INJURY QUALIFY?

The Indiana Department of Labor reports that more than 90,000 workers are injured in job-related accidents in our state every single year. While some of these injuries are minor, sadly many workers suffer serious physical damage. To be sure, each year, thousands of Indiana workers suffer injuries that keep them off the job for weeks or months — and sometimes permanently.

A work injury can cause tremendous stress for an injured employee and their family. Beyond the long road to recovery, there is also a loss of weekly income. Fortunately, the Workers’ Compensation Act of Indiana provides our state’s workers with some desperately needed legal protections. This is mandatory, no-fault insurance coverage. A worker who has been injured on the job should be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits, including medical coverage and wage-loss compensation, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

In practice, getting through the workers’ compensation claims process can be difficult. Many injured workers have trouble getting the full and fair benefits that they rightfully deserve under the law. This is where we can help. At Delventhal Law Office, our Dekalb County workers’ compensation attorney is committed to protecting the rights and interests of Indiana workers. If you were hurt while on the job in DeKalb County, please contact our law firm today for a free consultation.

WHAT TO DO:

1. Seek Medical Attention: If you were hurt on the job in DeKalb County, the first thing you need to do is to see a doctor. Your health and safety is more important than anything else. You need to get yourself checked out by a skilled professional. Remember, you will not be able to bring a workers’ compensation claim unless you have seen a doctor.
2. Report Your Accident: Indiana law puts strict responsibilities on both employers and employees. As a worker who has been injured on the job, you have a legal duty to report your accident to your supervisor. If you fail to report the accident within 30 days, you may not be able to bring a claim. Do not wait: report your accident immediately.
3. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders: Once you have seen a doctor, you need to be sure that you are listening to all of their medical advice. Far too many workers either get re-injured or have their benefits denied because they have failed to comply with their doctor’s professional guidance.
4. Consult With a workers’ Compensation Attorney in DeKalb County: Hopefully, you will be able to get your full benefits without any unreasonable delay. If so, you may not need a lawyer. Unfortunately, that is not always how the claims process works. If your claim was denied, if you are seeking disability benefits, or if you are having any trouble getting cooperation from your employer or the insurance carrier, you should call an experienced Dekalb County workers’ compensation attorney immediately.

4 COMMON MISTAKES YOU MUST AVOID:

1. Concealing the Injury
2. Missing Doctor’s Appointments
3. Doing Work that Violates Your Medical Restrictions
4. Giving Up on Pursuing Your Benefits

COMMON MISTAKES:

1. Concealing the Injury: Do not downplay your injuries. Whether you are going to the doctor, talking to your supervisor, or speaking to your family, there is no benefit in understating your pain. If you are hurt, you are hurt. Sadly, insurance companies sometimes take statements out of context and attempt to use them against injured workers.
2. Missing Doctor’s Appointments: After a workplace injury, you need to keep every medical appointment. If you cannot make an appointment, be sure to reschedule as soon as you possibly can. Insurance companies may use missed appointments as justification for denying a claim.
3. Doing Work that Violates Your Medical Restrictions: If your doctor has told you that you have medical restrictions, you need to follow their advice. Even if you “feel” like they are being overprotective, you do not want to risk re-injury. Your body needs to heal properly. If your employer tries to convince you to do tasks that are too medically challenging for your current condition, you have a right to refuse that work.
4. Giving Up on Pursuing Your Benefits: Sadly, some injured workers have a difficult time getting their full benefits. In fact, some injured workers even give up on their claim after it has been denied. This is a major mistake. The insurance company does not get the final word on your case. Many workers’ compensation appeals are successful. Before you think about giving up on your claim, please contact our DeKalb County workers’ compensation attorney for free legal guidance.