Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Los Angeles Workers' Compensation Claim

Damage recovery in a workers’ compensation claim is rarely simple. Each claim is accompanied by multiple nuances, and even a minor error can lead to a denial. That is why a careful approach and professional consultations are necessary.

Our lawyers can make you aware of mistakes to avoid when making a Los Angeles workers’ compensation claim. Since navigating these alone may not be easy, our workers’ comp attorneys can guide you throughout the case.

Not Filing Paperwork on Time

California workers’ compensation law is strict about deadlines. Missing them can seriously harm your claim. You are required to report a workplace injury within 30 days of the incident or the date you learned the condition was work-related. If you fail to do so, your employer may argue that the injury did not happen at work and deny the claim.

After you notify your employer, they must provide you with a DWC-1 claim form within one working day. Completing and returning this form starts the formal workers’ compensation process.

One of the dangerous mistakes to avoid when filing a workers’ compensation claim in Los Angeles is waiting too long. Even if you still make the deadline, insurance companies may use the delay to question the legitimacy of the injury.

Failing to Get Timely Medical Care

Once you file a claim, your employer’s insurance carrier must authorize medical care. Delaying care allows insurers to argue that your injury was not serious enough to warrant significant help.

Working with the Wrong Physician

In California, injured employees must receive treatment from a doctor within the employer’s Medical Provider Network (MPN). This requirement applies unless you officially predesignated a personal physician in writing before the injury occurred.

You must avoid making a mistake and seeking treatment outside the approved network during your Los Angeles workers’ comp case. If this happens, the insurance is likely to refuse to cover your damages.

Not Following Medical Instructions

You must follow all medical recommendations, attend follow-up appointments, and comply with work restrictions. Gaps in treatment may be used by insurers to argue that your condition has improved, so you no longer need the benefits. Meanwhile, medical records are a primary form of evidence in workers’ compensation cases.

Do You Need to Keep Workers’ Comp Case Details Confidential?

Many injured workers in Los Angeles unintentionally harm their workers’ comp cases by discussing details too openly. Statements made to coworkers or photos (e.g., attending a party while injured) on social media may be used to challenge your credibility.

Parties you can share case details with are:

• Your treating physician
• Your attorney
• The claims adjuster handling your workers’ comp case (preferably through an attorney)
• Authorized representatives of your employer’s insurance carrier

Workers’ compensation insurers review any inconsistencies between medical records and informal comments. Even casual conversations can raise doubts. That is why you must keep all the sensitive information private, even if it seems harmless.

Discuss Avoiding Mistakes in a Los Angeles Workers’ Compensation Claim with Our Attorneys

Since workers’ comp cases are often complicated, even a minor mistake can keep you from getting benefits. That is why professional assistance is essential to receiving fair compensation.

Our legal team can explain which mistakes to avoid when making a Los Angeles workers’ compensation claim and guide you through the case. Call LNN to schedule a consultation today.