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8 Practical Tips for Dealing with a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Dealing with a workers’ comp claim can be tough, but these 8 tips will make it easier. Click on the links in the answers to get more details about each tip.

1. Tell your boss, tell your doctor, then tell HammondTownsend.

Following these three steps will get you off on the right track, including having a HammondTownsend attorney to help you through the workers’ compensation process. Workers’ comp is most commonly claimed for a physical injury after an accident at work, but in certain situations can also apply to occupational diseases and mental illness.

2. Always tell the truth.

Never lie during the process. You don’t need to volunteer extra information past what a question is asking you, such as during a deposition or evidentiary hearing, but don’t hide the truth.

3. Ask questions.

If you’re not sure what the next steps in your case are, or you’re confused by what’s happening, contact your HammondTownsend team. The paralegal assigned to your claim can answer many questions and can get you a call with your attorney for questions you need to ask directly.

4. Be careful what you post online.

Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company may be monitoring what you post online and may try to use it to discredit you. Be careful what you post online, both about the workers’ compensation case and about your health and activities generally.

5. Don’t miss deadlines.

You’re not eligible for any benefits if you miss the deadline for reporting your injury from work. Make sure you tell your job within thirty (30) days of the accident.

6. Look for light-duty work if you qualify.

If you’re deemed fit for light-duty work, make sure you know what qualifies as light-duty work and how you can find it. If you’re uncertain, your HammondTownsend team can help explain. Your benefits may be stopped if you aren’t making a good faith effort to find and keep a light-duty job when required.

7. Know how taxes work with your benefits.

Workers’ compensation benefits aren’t taxed, but if you also get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) your SSDI can be affected and it can affect your taxes. Make sure you know what types of benefits you’re receiving and you understand your tax situation.

8. Ask for a Cost of Living Adjustment in the fall.

After October 1 each year, Cost of Living Adjustments are available for people receiving workers’ compensation benefits who also meet other criteria. If you qualify, make sure you request your Cost of Living Adjustment each fall.

Have you been injured on the job? Call HammondTownsend.

With over 45 years of combined experience handling Workers’ Compensation claims, our attorneys have recovered over $3 Billion for injured workers. As an exclusive injured workers law firm, our team fights for the compensation you deserve!

We are THE Virginia Workers’ Compensation Law Firm. Serving injured workers across the state of Virginia: Northern Virginia, Richmond, Roanoke, Lynchburg, Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, and Hampton Roads.

Contact us for a FREE case evaluation.

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