Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Feel Bad
Have you ever felt reluctant to file for workers’ comp because you don’t want the responsibility to land on your employer? Or maybe you feel guilt for getting hurt on the job and that it was no one’s fault but your own? There are many reasons as to why you may feel defeated and/or hesitant to file for workers’ compensation but we are hoping to help motivate you to get the support that you deserve if you’ve been injured.
“I don’t want to file for workers’ comp and have it ruin my reputation.”
Picture this, you are a construction worker that works closely with your foreman and your crew. You experience extreme back pain when not on the job and you try taking over-the-counter pain medication for it, but nothing seems to relieve the discomfort. You are worried that filing for workers’ comp will ruin your reputation and you don’t want to admit that you need financial assistance for professional help. This is the number one reason why many do not voice their needs for workers’ comp, however, what you may not realize is that the longer you wait to file, the more you could prolong or worsen your injury, or it may be too late to collect workers’ compensation benefits.
“Workers’ comp is only for people with excuses. I’m fine without it.”
Another reason why you may feel disinclined to file for workers’ compensation is because of the stigma surrounding the topic. Summit Pharmacy found that over 37% of Americans surveyed believed individuals who claim workers’ compensation are using it as an excuse to get out of work. Although in rare cases this may be true, the majority of these cases are legitimate. We need to put a stop to this stigma in order to provide help for people who need it.
The law protects you.
Many people think that because they were injured on the job, they do not deserve workers’ comp benefits. This statement alone is far from the truth. Accidents happen and workers’ compensation was established to reduce your liability for work-related injuries and illnesses. Why not take advantage of this? You are not alone and there is no reason to feel like an outcast or isolated; we are here to assist you and make this process easier.
You have a legal right to workers’ compensation.
Do you feel guilty about filing for workers’ comp to save your employer from the aftermath of the claim? Well, most employers are legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance in just about every state. There are systems created in order to make filing for workers’ comp easier for you. You have a right to utilize these systems. In Missouri, it is against the law for any employer to retaliate or discriminate against you in any way for filing for a work comp claim or having a lawyer help you with a work comp claim. There is no need to be embarrassed when doing what is right for you and your family. Filing for workers’ comp does not make you less of a person, it ultimately will make you grateful for the long run.
“Will I get fired for filing for workers’ comp?”
Unfortunately, in some cases, employers will make it difficult and will find ways to manipulate you into thinking that you do not need to file. You may think that you will get fired or that other people have gotten fired for filing a workers’ comp claim. This is a myth! Once you contact a workers’ comp lawyer, they will handle all communications between the employer and the workers’ comp insurance. The workers’ comp lawyer will handle conference settings that involve the workers’ comp judge, discuss the updated status of your injury every few months, and speak with the employer’s lawyer. Your workers’ comp lawyer will be able to answer any and all questions while also being honest on whether legal representation is necessary.
Contact us now.
If you have a work-related injury, workers’ compensation is available to you. Workers’ comp can be exceedingly useful if you take advantage of it now. Let’s talk about the next step that you should take in order to get the help that you deserve. At The Hines & Wilson Law Firm, we are dedicated to making you feel more at ease as we know workers’ comp can be a personal process. Contact us today by calling 573-443-4500.
