The first thing anyone that has been injured on the job must do is file an injury report with your direct supervisor or another responsible party designated by your employer. In the vast majority of cases, this is done in writing, but there are companies that will take a verbal report and then complete the documentation on the injured workers behalf. Either way, if a report is not completed and filed in the amount of time allowed for by the law, this can turn out to be a costly error. To ensure you get the benefits you deserve you may wish to consult with a workers compensation attorney in Santa Ana.
The claim process:
Once the injury report has been completed and filed, the injured employee is responsible for contacting the insurance company claims adjuster. It is this individual that advises the employee on his or her rights. This is often where the problems start. Unless the injured employee knows his or her rights, they can harm jeopardize their position by exposing information to the adjuster. Never forget, the adjuster works for the insurance company, his job is to minimize any monies that are paid out when a claim is made. This is why it is important to work closely with a workers compensation attorney in Santa Ana, the last thing you want to do is make a statement that can be used against you in the future.
Complex laws:
The laws that apply to workers compensation are quite complex, usually well beyond the ability of a layperson to digest them properly. The laws pertaining to such things as penalties for not filing in a timely manner, your rights when it comes to civil action and more. By hiring a seasoned workers compensation attorney, you can rest assured that your rights will be protected.
If you are seriously injured at work, you are well advised to hire a knowledgeable workers compensation attorney in Santa Ana. To discuss your case in detail, you are invited to contact the Law Offices of Norman J. Homen.
