6 Costly Mistakes Seasonal Workers Make After Getting Hurt

Posted in Accident & Injury, Health & Wellness, Workplace Injuries and Claims on May 16, 2024

Seasonal workers play a vital role in many industries. However, the temporary nature of these jobs can lead to unique challenges, especially when it comes to workplace injuries. At Elk + Elk, we’ve seen firsthand how mistakes made in the immediate aftermath of an injury can impact a worker’s ability to receive the compensation they deserve. Here are some mistakes seasonal workers make after a workplace injury and how to avoid them.

#1 Not Reporting the Injury Immediately

Mistake: Failing to report the injury to your employer as soon as it happens.

Why It’s a Problem: Delaying your injury report can complicate your workers’ compensation claim. Employers and insurance companies might question the legitimacy of your injury or argue that it happened outside of work.

What to Do Instead: Report your injury immediately to your supervisor or employer. Ensure the report is documented in writing and keep a copy for your records.

#2 Not Seeking Medical Attention Right Away

Mistake: Waiting to see if the pain or injury will go away on its own.

Why It’s a Problem: Delaying medical treatment can worsen your condition and undermine your claim. Insurance companies might argue that your injury isn’t serious or wasn’t caused by your job.

What to Do Instead: Seek medical attention as soon as possible after the injury. Make sure to inform the healthcare provider that your injury is work-related so it can be properly documented.

#3 Failing to Document the Injury and Its Impact

Mistake: Not keeping detailed records of your injury and its effects on your life and work.

Why It’s a Problem: Lack of documentation can weaken your claim. Detailed records are crucial for proving the extent and impact of your injury.

What to Do Instead: Keep a comprehensive journal detailing your symptoms, medical visits, treatments, and how the injury affects your daily activities and work. Save all medical bills, prescriptions, and correspondence related to your injury.

#4 Not Understanding Workers’ Compensation Rights

Mistake: Assuming you don’t qualify for workers’ compensation because you’re a seasonal or temporary worker.

Why It’s a Problem: Under Ohio law, businesses must provide workers’ compensation coverage to all employees including part-time, full-time, temporary, and seasonal workers. You may not be covered if you’re classified as an independent contractor.

What to Do Instead: Educate yourself about your rights.

#5 Returning to Work Too Soon

Mistake: Returning to work before you’re fully healed due to pressure from your employer or financial necessity.

Why It’s a Problem: Returning to work prematurely can aggravate your injury and prolong your recovery time. It can also affect your workers’ compensation claim if it’s perceived that you’ve recovered.

What to Do Instead:

1. Follow your doctor’s advice regarding your return to work.
2. Don’t rush the process.
3. If you feel pressured, inform your lawyer, who can advocate to ensure you have the time to recover fully.

#6 Not Seeking Legal Help

Mistake: Not consulting with a personal injury lawyer because you believe you can handle the claim independently.

Why It’s a Problem: Workers’ compensation laws can be complex and navigating them without professional help can lead to mistakes that could cost you your benefits.

What to Do Instead: Seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney like our workers compensation attorneys at Elk + Elk. They can help you understand your rights, guide you through the process, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been injured on the job, avoiding these common mistakes can substantially impact the outcome of your recovery and compensation. At Elk + Elk, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation and ensure your rights are protected. Contact us today for a free consultation.