Often, when people get injured on the job, they put off reporting the injury to their employer. No matter how the injury happened, they feel uncomfortable admitting that they were hurt and may be in denial about how bad the injury is because they want to continue to do their duties. If their injury is serious enough to keep them out of work for weeks or months, they may be equally slow to file for workers’ compensation.
These individuals may see workers’ comp as admitting defeat or asking for a handout, but nothing could be further from the truth. Workers’ compensation was established to assist people who get injured on the job. Workers’ compensation, which pays a portion of your salary and medical bills, does not reflect on your character or your competency as a worker. Employers are required to offer it so that hard-working people like you can take the time they need to recover from their injury without worrying about finances.
Why Are You Worried About Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
We’ve assisted many clients who felt guilty about filing a workers’ compensation claim. Here are a few things they’ve told us:
- “I caused my injury, so I don’t deserve workers’ comp.” The truth: No matter how you sustained your injury, you may be entitled to workers’ comp. Accidents occur daily on every job, and sometimes workers play a part in causing an injury. That doesn’t make the injury any less devastating, and it doesn’t mean you intentionally injured yourself.
- “I hate admitting that I need the financial assistance.” The truth: Workers’ compensation is not a handout. It’s part of your benefits package as an employee. Employers plan for such incidences by paying for insurance. If you’re not receiving your paycheck, it’s natural to need something to supplement you through a tough time.
- “Workers’ compensation has a stigma attached to it.” The truth: Yes, occasionally people commit insurance fraud by faking cases of injury on the job, but that’s rare. The majority of workers’ compensation cases are legitimate. This system is in place to protect workers, and you’re not “taking advantage” of anything if you use it.
Is It Bad for Your Reputation to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
You shouldn’t feel embarrassed by filing a workers’ compensation claim. It’s your right as a worker who sustained an injury while furthering your employer’s business. If you’ve been injured on the job, you deserve to receive benefits while you’re off work to pay for your bills and support your family. People of all ages and sizes can sustain injuries at work — it doesn’t reflect on your competency or ability to perform your job.
A good lawyer can walk you through the benefits of pursuing a workers’ compensation case and explain why you should not feel awkward or embarrassed about your situation. Frommer D’Amico specializes in these types of cases, and we always represent employees, never employers. We offer low fees and will come to you for our meetings. Contact us today to set up a free consultation by filling out our online form or calling us at 717-400-1000.