Just like dealing with the consequences of an on-the-job injury, navigating through the California workers’ compensation system isn’t easy – especially if your claim has been delayed or denied. While the road ahead may indeed be difficult, just as countless other workers before you have made it through, and you can, too. To help you prepare for what is in store, consider the following tips.
- Consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer: Filing a workers’ compensation claim can be an immensely complex, time consuming, and frustrating process – and it is one that you should not consider handling on your own. An attorney can guide you step-by-step through the process and handle any issues that should arise on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery with peace of mind. Best of all, many workers’ compensation attorneys offer free consultations, meaning you have nothing to lose by seeking advice.
- Stay positive: Countless studies have shown that expectation is a powerful influence on physical recovery, with many doctors advising patients to keep their spirits up during recovery. Focus on your wellbeing and leave your workers’ compensation claim to your attorney to worry about.
- Apply for State Disability Insurance (SDI): Workplace injuries can leave you in a difficult financial situation and cause you to miss out on much-needed income. In the event that your indemnity benefits through workers’ comp should be delayed, you can apply for temporary SDI benefits from California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) to make up for this lost income. If your workers’ compensation claim is approved, you will need to pay these funds back to the EED against the amount you eventually recover in your claim.
- Attend all doctors’ appointments: Missing an appointment can not only lengthen your recovery time, but it could also jeopardize your benefits. Be sure to record the date, time, and location of all appointments and attend them on time. If you absolutely must miss an appointment, let your claims administrator know as soon as possible and reschedule.
- Stay away from social media: In the modern age, everything that is posted on the internet or communicated electronically can potentially be submitted as evidence and carry legal weight. If you have been injured and are anticipating or already collecting workers’ compensation benefits, stay away from posting things on the internet, as your employer or claims adjuster can potentially use it as a reason to deny or dispute your claim. Even the most seemingly innocent photos, pictures, or comments can be harmful if taken out of context.
If you have been injured or have fallen ill as a result of the duties of your occupation, contact the Santa Ana workers’ compensation lawyers at Ufkes & Bright today. Having served injured workers throughout Southern California since 1964, we can provide the personalized service and knowledgeable advocacy you need to help you navigate through the workers’ compensation system as smoothly as possible.
Call (714) 9092609 or contact our office online today to get started.