Edward Cohen Workers Compensation Law Blog on Lawyers.com

Common Myths Associated with Worker Compensation Laws

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 by Edward Cohen

Workers Compensation Myths

It may be hard to determine myth from reality when you’re talking about workers compensation. First of all, the laws vary from state to state so if your cousin living in another state was injured on his job site chances are his story is different from that of your neighbor’s. It pays to learn the facts underlying some common workers compensation myths.

Myth: Your workers compensation claim is considered invalid unless you report your workplace injury as soon as it happens.

Fact: If you start a new job, it’s a good idea to find out what your company policy is regarding reporting a workplace injury for there might be a deadline required. Some states allow you to file a claim as long as two years after you have been injured. Bear in mind, if you pay for medical services without having had reported the injury to your employer, you may not be entitled to receive reimbursement.

Myth: Attorneys are really expensive and I don’t have that kind of money.

Fact: Most workers compensation lawyers in Cincinnati work on a contingency basis which means you only are required to pay them if you collect benefits from your workers compensation claim. If you do decide to retain an attorney, state laws put a cap on the fee a workers compensation attorney can bill.

Myth: Insurance companies will automatically pay all of the benefits I am entitled to.

Fact: Sometimes that is the case and sometimes it’s not. One of your workers compensation attorney's job is to stay on the top of the status of your claim and to make sure the insurance company pays you every penny you are entitled to.

Myth: My claim was denied. I guess that’s the end of that.

Fact: Don’t give up so fast. Errors are made all the time. Insurance companies deal with tons of paperwork and crunch numbers all day long. There is a good chance they made a mistake. Hand the matter over to your experienced workers compensation attorney and see what can be done.

This article is a courtesy of the law firm of Clements, Mahin & Cohen, L.P.A., Co., Cincinnati workers compensation attorneys, 888-314-3989, www.cmclawyers.com.

Posted at 10:10 AM

Topic: Workers Compensation