When you're hurt on the job, workers compensation payments are not a guarantee. More importantly, the role you play has one of the greatest impacts on whether or not you're successful in your efforts. Ensure you are not unknowingly sabotaging your case. If you've been hurt on the job, here is what you should know.

Hiding the Injury

Employers should be notified right away when an employee is injured on the job. While the fast response is essential for the protection of the employer, it's more important for the protection of the injured victim. If you have not spoken with your employer yet, you are only giving the company more leverage to deny your claim. 

For example, if you suffered an injury to your back, but you continue to perform heavy lifting and other strenuous tasks, you may face a challenge when you later claim that you can't work due to the injury. For major and minor injuries alike, you need to report your damage as soon as possible.

Discussing Your Grievances Out Loud

Workers compensation payments are a confidential matter between the company and the injured victim. If you are still working at your job, don't make the status of your settlement, water cooler talk. Different companies have different policies as it pertains to settlements, and some companies even require employees to sign confidentiality clauses. 

These clauses state that you will keep the settlement private. When you openly discuss the case, you could violate the clause. If your discussions get back to your employer, you may even face penalties against your settlement. Keep your grievances with your attorney. 

Not Asking Questions

Your employer is not doing you a favor by helping you settle your case. They were negligent on the job, you were injured, as a result, and now you're seeking compensation. Your status as a victim leaves you with more than enough of a right to ask questions. 

Don't make the mistake of not asking questions and then signing documents that you have no idea what they mean. You could be signing something that reduces your claim, or maybe even cancels it out. Even if you just have questions about some of the information you are being asked to provide, it's much better to ask questions than not to know. 

If you are making any of the above mistakes — you could be sabotaging your own claim. Don't do anything to hurt your case. Speak with an attorney who can guide you on your case. To learn more, visit a website like http://www.walzlaw.com. 

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