What Forms Should I Sign and Not Sign after the Workplace Injury?

work injury

You have the right to claim workers’ compensation benefits after sustaining a work-related injury.

Now, your employer and their insurance carrier may ask you to sign some papers while making your claim.

You, however, must be careful when signing those documents because they can hurt your case by significantly reducing or denying the benefits you deserve.

So, what are the documents you should and should not sign after sustaining a workplace injury?

This article will guide you through some vital papers you may encounter when filing a workers’ comp claim.

Two Documents to Sign after Sustaining a Workplace Injury

First, know the records you must sign after a workplace injury. Failure in doing so can waive your right to claim workers’ compensation.

  • Workers’ Compensation Claim Form

worker compensation

Next, you need to fill out a workers’ compensation claim form to start the claiming process. Your employer will give you the claim form within 24 hours after receiving your accident report.

Fill out the employee’s section of the form by providing truthful and complete information about your injury.

Return the form to your boss after you complete the employee’s section. They will fill out the employer’s section before passing the document to their insurance carrier.

  • Accident or Injury Report

Inform your employer about your injury through a written notice

However, it’s vital to be accurate with the information you provide in the report. It’s to avoid any misrepresentation or false statements in the document that may affect your case.

For example, some employers make their workers sign accident reports that remove the liability from the actual accountable party. It can make you lose a chance to claim compensation from the right person or entity.

So, thoroughly review an accident or injury report before signing, and make sure all details in it are true and accurate.

You may also consult a Burbank workers’ compensation attorney to review the accident report.

Three Documents You Should Not Sign to Optimize Your Workers’ Comp Claim

Now, here are the documents you should not sign to avoid damaging your workers’ comp claim:

  • Medical Authorization Form

medical documentsThis document seeks your permission to allow particular people to dig through your medical history. The insurance provider wants to access your medical records to find a piece of information that they can use against you.

For instance, they may argue against your claim if they find a pre-existing condition at the same spot as your current injury. Remember that in California, pre-existing injuries can reduce the compensation amount.

  • Employment Records Authorization Form

This form is another document that some entities use to invade your privacy. Insurance providers use it to gather information from your previous employment that can hurt your case.

You only need to present information about your current employment and your injury when claiming workers’ comp. Thus, this document is unnecessary.

  • Release Form

workplace injury

A release form is a document that can significantly damage your workers’ comp claim.

The insurance provider will tell you that this document lets you immediately receive a small amount while your claim process continues. However, in reality, it’s equal to waiving your right to claim further benefits.

Remember that you cannot claim additional benefits after a settlement. And a release form could be a settlement agreement that favors the insurance provider.

Let a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Burbank Review Forms Before Signing

Your employer’s insurance provider may use some documents to trick you when you claim workers’ compensation. That’s why it’s crucial to be careful before signing any forms after you sustain a workplace injury.

Your Burbank workers’ compensation attorney will review all documents for your compensation claim and advise which you should and shouldn’t sign.

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