When you get injured at work it is going to be important for you to file a Connecticut workers’ compensation claim to make sure you don’t miss out on any compensation that is due to you as a result of the injury. In the event that you are injured you may want to get this filing done quickly and with as little paperwork as possible. You may share your employer’s goal in this, but quick is not always advisable.
There are certain forms and commitments that you can make if you’re not careful and don’t read over any documents that your employer is requesting that you fill out after you’re injured. Once you sign something it can be very difficult to go back and change and therefore you could be forfeiting certain rights that you may need as you seek compensation for your injury. It is for this reason that you should always make sure you have read and are understanding everything you are signing before you sign it.
If your employer approaches you with forms to fill out after you’ve been injured you are well within your rights to ask for some time to review the documents and you may also wish to seek the counsel of an attorney who can help you understand any legal documentation that may be put in front of you. Understanding the forms that your employer is asking you to fill out is the best way you can protect your rights and be eligible for all of the benefits you are able to receive as the result of your injury.
Signing documents that you don’t understand thoroughly could lead to one or all of the following outcomes that could be detrimental to your ability to get healed and/or compensated for your injuries.
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There are times when documentation from your employer may include clauses in it that have you waive your rights to file a workers’ compensation claim. You may do this unknowingly if you do not read the documentation thoroughly and this could lead to major issues with being compensated for your injuries down the road.
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You may be presented with medical forms that your employer wants you to fill out. These extensive forms may give your employer the right to seek your entire medical history. Not only would this be a violation of your privacy it may also give your employer information that could unfairly affect your ability to file a full workers’ compensation claim.
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There are documents that your employer may ask you to sign that indicate either blatantly or subtly that the accident in question was entirely your fault. Admitting fault may put you at risk of not receiving complete compensation and it may even put your ability to file a workers’ compensation claim in jeopardy.
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A settlement agreement that is presented by an employer may be potentially unfavorable to you. Therefore it is important that before you sign any sort of settlement agreement you should have a complete understanding of what you are signing. Such settlements could lead to you waiving your rights and accepting a lower amount of compensation then you otherwise would be entitled to.
Anytime you are faced with a situation where your employer is trying to get you to sign a lot of paperwork all at once you can be overwhelmed. It is important to keep in mind that you do not have to race through any paperwork and you are well within your rights to ask to have a lawyer read over the paperwork to insure that what you are signing is in your best interest. In the event that you do need to file a Connecticut workers’ compensation claim you should move with cautious expedience so you are compensated fairly in a timely manner.
Working with a board certified workers’ compensation attorney may be something you want to do as you go through the process of filing a claim. Contact our office and one of our experienced and board certified attorneys can review your situation and work with you to help protect your long-term interests.
