Getting hurt at work can turn life upside down in a matter of seconds.
Workers’ compensation benefits exist to cover your medical bills and part of your lost wages, but the process is rarely simple.
A small misstep early on can slow down your claim or even give the insurance company a reason to deny it.
Let’s walk through four of the most common mistakes employees make after a workplace injury, and how to avoid them.
Leaving Out Details About Past Medical Issues
Some workers worry that telling a doctor about old injuries or health problems will work against them. They figure if they only focus on the “new” injury, they’ll have a better shot at benefits. The truth is, hiding your medical history almost always backfires.
Doctors and insurance adjusters are trained to look for patterns. If an old back injury suddenly shows up in your records later on, it can create the impression that you weren’t being honest. And once credibility is questioned, your whole claim can come under scrutiny.
Tip from a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer:
Be upfront. Let your doctor know about prior issues and when they happened. If your workplace accident aggravated an old injury, your physician can document that. Often, showing how work made a condition worse can strengthen, not weaken, your claim.
Overstating Your Pain or Limitations
When you’re injured, you want people to understand how bad it feels. But saying your pain is “off the charts” when you’re still able to move around or perform tasks sends mixed signals. Doctors notice when your words don’t line up with what they see. Insurance adjusters notice too.
If they think you’re exaggerating, they may assume you’re not being truthful about the entire claim. That doubt can follow you all the way through the process.
Tip from a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer:
Focus on being specific instead of dramatic. Describe where the pain is, what activities make it worse, and how it impacts your daily routine. Real-world details go much further than big, sweeping statements. We’ve helped injured workers with their claims in many towns in Florida, including Tamarac, Deerfield Beach, Margate and Lauderhill.
Not Following Modified Duty Instructions
After an injury, your doctor may clear you for light or restricted duty instead of full work. Some employees ignore those instructions, they either stay home when light duty is available or push themselves to work beyond their restrictions. Both choices can hurt your recovery and your case.
Insurance companies may argue that refusing light duty shows you’re not cooperating. On the other hand, pushing yourself too hard can cause further injury and raise questions about whether you’re taking medical advice seriously.
Tip from a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer:
Stick with the plan. If the light-duty job seems impossible, go back to your doctor and explain why. They can adjust your restrictions if needed. Following medical orders protects both your health and your benefits.
Waiting Too Long to Report the Injury
One of the biggest mistakes workers make is delaying the report of their accident. Maybe you hoped the pain would fade, or you didn’t want to cause problems at work. But in Florida, you only have 30 days to report an injury to your employer. Missing that deadline can jeopardize your right to benefits.
Even waiting a few weeks makes it easier for the insurance company to argue that your injury didn’t really happen at work. The longer the gap, the harder it is to prove your claim.
Tip from a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer:
Notify your employer as soon as possible, preferably in writing. A quick report not only protects your rights but also starts the clock on getting medical care through workers’ comp.
Get Help from an Experienced Work Comp Attorney
Filing a workers’ compensation claim is more than just filling out paperwork. It’s about protecting your health, your job, and your financial stability. By being honest about your medical history, describing your pain accurately, respecting light-duty restrictions, and reporting your injury right away, you’ll avoid the most common pitfalls workers face.
If you’ve already made one of these mistakes, or just want guidance through the process, working with a Florida workers’ compensation attorney can make a huge difference.
At Adam Baron Law, we’ve been representing injured workers across Florida for more than 30 years. We know how insurance companies operate, and we fight to make sure you get the medical care and wage benefits you deserve. If you’ve been hurt on the job, don’t wait – call today for a free consultation.
The Law Offices of Adam Baron, P.A. have represented hurt workers and accident victims for over 30 years. We understand how frustrating and challenging this time can be and we know how to help you through it. Our Florida work injury attorneys are aggressive when it comes to obtaining compensation and justice on behalf of our clients. We help injured workers all across Florida, including Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Miami, Coral Springs, Delray Beach and many others areas.
If you were injured or became sick while working, we can help. Call Adam Baron at 954-247-HURT now for a Free, No-Obligation Case Review.