Have You Been Injured at Work? Speak with Cruz & Associates

Posted in Personal Injury,Workers Compensation

Workplace injuries are common, especially if you work in a high-risk industry that requires heavy machinery and manual labor. If you’ve been injured on the job, you’re not alone. Luckily, there are many legal processes in place to protect employees who have been in workplace accidents. Filing for workers’ compensation is a simple, stress-free process if you have the right team on your side. At Cruz & Associates, we specialize in ensuring that injured Phoenix area employees get the compensation they deserve.

We’ll navigate the claim process with you, but there are a few things you can avoid doing today to make it easier on yourself and increase your chances of success.

Here’s What NOT to Do After Injury

When you begin the workers’ compensation process, having a Cruz & Associates attorney on your side will help you stay on track. Here’s what we recommend clients avoid doing following a workplace accident:

Wait to Report Your Injury

Report your injury to a supervisor as soon as possible. If your injury report comes late, it may seem fabricated which will work against your compensation case. Legally, your employer cannot reprimand you for reporting an injury, so there’s no need to be hesitant. The sooner you report your injury, the better. Additionally, be sure to report any previous work injuries, and include all incurred injuries in your report.

Skip a Doctor’s Appointment

Medical records are essential when you’re filing for workers’ compensation. Even if you don’t feel the immediate need to seek medical treatment, you must visit a doctor before filing your claim. Your health care provider will be able to discuss your injury in more in-depth details, including why it leaves you unable to work.

Hide Injuries

Similar to waiting to report your injury, don’t attempt to hide your injuries. If you’re injured, be careful with yourself and take your injuries seriously. Be sure to be completely honest about your injuries and illnesses so that you can get the maximum compensation you deserve.

Avoid Returning to Work

If your doctor has cleared to return to work, don’t push back. This could be considered a voluntary loss of income which works against your workers’ compensation case. You may also be fired permanently for “refusal to work.” Even if you don’t feel ready to return, your attempt will be noted. Your employer should reconsider your job duties or consent to paying wage loss benefits through their insurance carrier if this is the case.

Not Secure Trustworthy Legal Representation

The biggest mistake you could make after a work injury is not contacting a trustworthy legal representative. The team at Cruz & Associates will help you file all the necessary documentation to move your claim along. We don’t want you to feel alone at any point in the process, and we’re here to ensure your best interest is kept at the focus of this case.

Your Next Step is Contacting an Experienced Attorney

At Cruz & Associates, we are dedicated to the workers of the Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale and Glendale areas. If you’ve been injured on the job, we’re here to advocate for you and ensure that you don’t make the above mistakes. Our clients come first in our office, and we guarantee we can help you, too. To get started on your workers’ compensation claim, give us a call at (602) 777-6666 or fill out our online contact form today.