Many employees who get hurt on the job can qualify for New Mexico workers’ compensation benefits. If they follow the right procedures, they can use workers’ compensation to cover their medical care costs and replace some of their lost income.
Adherence to the right processes is crucial for success during a workers’ compensation claim. Seemingly minor mistakes can have major implications for those who need workers’ compensation benefits.
What oversights and errors can prevent people from getting the support they require?
1. Failing to notify an employer
To qualify for New Mexico workers’ compensation benefits, employees have to cooperate with their employers. The business needs to know about their injury or diagnosis. In most cases, the rules require that workers report workplace injuries within 15 days. Failing to do so can limit eligibility for benefits later.
2. Avoiding medical treatment
Many people who have debilitating symptoms try to manage their issues on their own. They use over-the-counter medications and home remedies to control their symptoms. Without a diagnosis and proper medical care, the condition might get worse. Delayed medical care can impact a worker’s chances of recovery.
3. Failing to gather evidence
The more information workers have about their symptoms and how they connect to their work, the easier it is to get benefits. Workers need medical reports and information about how their symptoms affect their daily lives. Without documentation, workers may struggle to convince their employers and their insurance companies about the need for medical care and possibly a leave of absence for convalescence.
4. Changing their story
Sometimes, workers dislike admitting the symptoms they experience because they feel embarrassed. Other times, they may be anxious about honestly disclosing how they got hurt, possibly because they made a mistake on the job.
If a worker changes their story during a claim, that can raise a lot of red flags. They may experience more pushback and may have a harder time getting the benefits they require.
5. Refusing to follow medical instructions
Doctors may instruct patients to rest or may limit their job functions. They may recommend surgery or physical therapy. Typically, injured employees need to follow the treatment plan proposed by the doctor overseeing their care. Failing to do so can complicate their claim later.
Those who have support throughout a workers’ compensation claim may have an easier time maximizing the benefits they receive. Getting assistance as early as possible can help set injured employees up for success when they need workers’ compensation benefits.