DO’s and DON’Ts for the Injured Worker

1. Don’t ignore a work injury hoping it will just go away
2. Do report work injuries to your supervisor immediately--no matter how minor
3. Don’t just go to the Emergency Room or your family doctor on your own
4. Do get authorization from your employer and go to their doctor--at least initially
5. Don’t refuse to cooperate with the worker’s compensation carrier--that’s what they want you to do!
6. Do give a recorded statement to the work comp insurance adjuster and sign a medical consent form (limit consent to 60 days)
7. Don’t lie or conceal a prior injury--that’s what they want you to do
8. Do be completely truthful with the work comp adjuster--an aggravation of a prior injury is covered under work comp
9. Don’t miss any doctor or therapy appointments--your obligation to go to physical therapy is the same as your obligation to go to work. A missed doctor appointment could result in the termination of your weekly disability benefits.
10. Do call the doctor’s office and the nurse case manager ahead of  time if you are unable to make a doctor appointment--just like you would with your job.
11. Don’t perform work in excess of your work restrictions.
12. Do tell the Doctor/Nurse Case Manager/Union representative immediately if your employer is forcing you to violate your work restrictions.
13. Don't contact adjuster or company attorney after you hire an attorney.

Please note: An employer can decide not to pay for benefits such as health insurance if they choose while you are off work with a work-related injury. You will have the option of paying the premiums yourself. If your employer stops paying for your health insurance or other benefits, let us know right away as we may be able to use this fact to increase your weekly disability benefits. 

Also, worker’s compensation benefits are not taxable and do not need to be reported on your state and federal tax returns.