If you were injured at work, and you are going through the process of filing a workers' compensation claim, you need to make sure that you take the necessary steps to get the maximum amount of workers' compensation that you deserve.

#1: Hire an Attorney 

Don't assume that you can get through the workers' compensation process on your own. You should hire a workers' compensation attorney to work with you. An attorney will help you fully understand the benefits that you are entitled to. They will work through all the paperwork with you, and make sure that you only accept a fair offer from the insurance company. They will make sure you get what you deserve and that your interests are represented in the workers' compensation process.

#2: Follow Through With Your Medical Care

When it comes to getting the compensation you deserve after being injured at work, getting the right medical care is important. This is not the time to be tough. You need to see a doctor right away, as soon as you know you are injured. Then, you need to follow the doctor's instructions for your care and share any restrictions that are relevant to your work with your job. You need to go to all your follow-up appointments and get all the treatment that the doctor recommends for your injury.

In addition to getting the medical care you need, you need to document that medical care. Keep your own records that document every doctor's visit you go to as well as every call you make to the doctor's office, every medication you take, and any physical therapy or exercises you do to support your recovery on your own. Well-documented adherence to medical care to improve your condition can help you maximize your workers' compensation claim.

#3: Don't Take the First Settlement Offer

Usually, when your workers' compensation insurance makes their first settlement offer to you, they are not going to provide you with an offer that gives you everything that you need. It is a common practice for the initial offer to be lower than what you are fully entitled to, as the insurance company is looking after their best interests. It is within your rights to reject their settlement offer, and your attorney can help with your rejection and counteroffer. Often, this process is more of a discussion back and forth between you and the insurance company before a final settlement offer that meets your needs is reached. Don't accept a settlement offer until you are happy with it.

When it comes to maximizing your workers' compensation offer, you need to hire an attorney to help you with the process, get the necessary medical care and document that care, and negotiate until you get a settlement offer that you agree with.