7 Tips to Make a Workers Comp Claim Less Stressful
The workers’ compensation process can be confusing, time-consuming, and frustrating. There are a lot of things to worry about, such as medical bills, time off work, and how the injury will impact your future — all of which can cause a lot of stress. If you have been injured on the job, the last thing you want is to add more stress to an already stressful situation. So, how can you make the workers’ compensation process less stressful? Here are seven tips:
Communicate with Your Employer
From the moment you get injured, you should let your employer know what happened and how it happened. If you receive any treatment or have any doctor’s appointments, you should keep your employer updated on that as well. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page, which can make the process a lot less stressful.
Seek the Proper Treatment
While you may be tempted to try to tough it out, it’s important to seek medical treatment if you’ve been injured. And it doesn’t matter if the injuries are minor or if you think you can handle the pain. It’s always best to get checked out by a doctor so you can start on the road to recovery.
Follow All Your Doctor’s Instructions
Few things will prolong the workers’ compensation process more than failing to follow your doctor’s orders. So, if you’re told to stay home from work or go to physical therapy, make sure you do it. This also applies to any medication your doctor prescribes. It may be tempting to skip a dose or two, but it’s important to take the medication as directed. Failure to do so could result in a longer recovery time. It could also insinuate that you’re not as injured as you claim to be, which could lead to your claim being denied.
Understand the Process
Make an effort to understand how the workers’ compensation process works, so you know what to expect. This will help to minimize any surprises along the way.
Keep calm and be patient. The workers’ compensation process can be slow at times, so it’s important to be patient. It’s easy to get frustrated when things are taking longer than you’d like, but try to stay calm and focus on your recovery.
Take Care of Yourself
It’s important to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally, during the workers’ compensation process. This includes getting plenty of rest, eating healthy, and exercising. It may also be helpful to talk to a counselor or therapist if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Get Organized
One of the best ways to reduce stress is to get and stay organized. This means keeping track of all important documents, deadlines, and appointments. Keep a journal, calendar, or some other type of system to help you stay on top of things.
Speak With an Attorney
Hiring an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can make a world of difference. They can help guide you through the process and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. Whether you’re just starting the process or have been dealing with it for a while, an attorney can be a valuable resource.
While there’s no way to completely eliminate stress from the workers’ compensation process, following these tips can help make it more bearable. And remember, you’re not alone — the Law Office of James. M. Hoffman is here to help! We have over 25 years of experience and can get you the answers and results you need. Contact us today for a free consultation.
