{"id":2647,"date":"2024-06-26T19:42:56","date_gmt":"2024-06-26T19:42:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/donahoekearney.com\/?p=2647"},"modified":"2026-06-29T18:57:05","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T18:57:05","slug":"waiting-to-get-a-workers-comp-lawyer-can-cost-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/donahoekearney.com\/blog\/waiting-to-get-a-workers-comp-lawyer-can-cost-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Waiting to get a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Can Cost You"},"content":{"rendered":"

Attorney Frank Kearney once spoke with a man who suffered a serious back injury while working in D.C. He had worked for the same commercial construction company for 16 years, so he trusted that his employer and the insurance company would take care of him.<\/p>\n

He did everything they told him to do. But his medical treatment stopped, his wage checks ended, and he was told to return to work even though he couldn\u2019t safely do his job.<\/p>\n

By the time he called Donahoe Kearney, waiting had already cost him time, treatment, and income. You don\u2019t have to wait until things get that bad before asking for help.<\/p>\n

Waiting to get legal help can affect your claim<\/strong><\/h4>\n

After you get hurt at work, the insurance company may send you to a clinic or recommend a doctor. You may assume that is where you have to go, but your choice of doctor can affect your treatment and the medical records used in your case.<\/p>\n

Before agreeing to treatment through a clinic or doctor recommended by the insurance company, talk with an experienced D.C. workers\u2019 compensation lawyer about your options.<\/p>\n

Deadlines matter too. In general, you have 30 days to report a work injury in D.C. and one year to file a workers\u2019 compensation claim.<\/p>\n

Know why the insurance company is sending you to a doctor<\/strong><\/h4>\n

A doctor chosen by the insurance company may be asked to say how serious your injury is, whether you need more treatment, or whether you can return to work.<\/p>\n

That opinion could affect whether your treatment is approved, whether your wage checks continue, and whether you are expected to go back to work.<\/p>\n

That is why it is important to know who the doctor is, why you are being sent there, and how the appointment may affect your treatment or benefits. A workers\u2019 compensation lawyer can help you prepare and make sure you know what to expect.<\/p>\n

What to do after a serious work injury in D.C.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Getting medical treatment is one of the most important things you can do after a work injury. Your medical records help show how you were hurt, what symptoms you are having, and whether you can safely return to work.<\/p>\n

To protect your claim:<\/p>\n

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  1. Report the injury and get medical treatment as soon as possible.<\/strong> Tell the doctor how the injury happened and describe all of your symptoms, even if one injury seems worse than the others.<\/li>\n
  2. Keep your appointments and follow your treatment plan.<\/strong> Missing appointments or going long periods without treatment can make it harder to show how the injury is still affecting you.<\/li>\n
  3. Talk with a D.C. workers\u2019 compensation lawyer early.<\/strong> Don\u2019t wait until your treatment is denied, your checks stop, or you are being pushed back to work before you are ready.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    You can also read Protect Your Rights: The Ultimate Guide to D.C. Workers\u2019 Compensation<\/a>, written by Attorney Frank Kearney, for more information about medical treatment, wage benefits, and the steps you can take to protect your case.<\/p>\n

    In this video, Attorney Frank Kearney explains why getting help early can make a difference in a D.C. workers\u2019 compensation case.<\/p>\n