When a work-related accident leads to an injury that prevents the worker from being able to work, there is assistance available to the injured worker. For most workers in Georgia, the obvious answer is to file a workers’ compensation claim. A worker, however, may also choose to claim disability benefits from the Social Security Administration or other programs. Both outlets can help a worker and their family by providing some form of weekly or monthly benefits while the injured worker is off the job. The eligibility and type of benefits, however, vary and it’s important for injured workers to know the differences so they can get the help they need.

 

Workers’ Compensation Disability Benefits In Georgia

 

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that is specifically geared towards providing injured workers with compensation for lost income and medical expenses that are the result of on-the-job accidents. In Georgia, employers with three or more employees are required to have workers’ compensation insurance to provide their workers with benefits in the case of injury.

 

To receive any type of workers’ compensation benefits in Georgia, an injured worker must file a claim for workers’ compensation. Any type of injury or illness sustained on the job is eligible for workers’ compensation, whether it is an acute injury from an accident, or an illness developed over time due to exposure to harmful chemicals. Because Georgia is a “no-fault” state for workers’ compensation, the injured worker does not need to prove anything in terms of negligence, but it also means they cannot sue their employer for the injury.

 

How much an injured worker receives due to an injury depends on the type of injury, the extent to which it affects their ability to work, their average weekly wage, and the maximums rates set by Georgia law. There are three types of benefits a worker may collect in Georgia:

 

• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) – When a worker’s injuries only partially limit their earning capacity, they can receive temporary partial disability (TPD) through workers’ compensation. The worker is then entitled to two-thirds of the difference between the wage before and after the injury occurred, though this amount may not be more than $367/week. A worker can be eligible to TPD benefits up to 350 weeks after the injury.

 

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – If a worker has missed more than seven days of work due to their work-related injury, they are entitled to receive temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. The first seven days of missed work will only be paid if the worker misses more than 21 days in a row due to their injury. A worker’s benefit amount is calculated as two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage at the time of injury. To receive benefits, the treating physician must confirm the disability. Unless the injury is catastrophic, a worker can only collect TTD benefits up to 400 weeks after the injury occurred.

 

• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – Once a worker has receive appropriate treatment and has reached the maximum medical improvement possible, they will either be healed or continue to have some kind of disability. If the disability is permanent, the treating physician will assign a disability rating from which permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits can be calculated. PPD is determined by the percentage of impairment as opposed to lost wages and cannot begin until a worker stops receiving TTD or TPD benefit payments.

 

The primary stipulation for being able to receive workers’ compensation is sustaining an on-the-job injury in Georgia. Most workers in Georgia qualify, though there are exceptions for certain workers, such as independent contractors or agricultural laborers.

 

Social Security Disability Insurance and Other Programs

 

A disabled worker doesn’t necessarily need to rely only on workers’ compensation to receive disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers benefits through their disability insurance. Unlike workers’ compensation, Social Security disability benefits are established by federal law and do not require that injuries or disabilities were the result of work-related accidents.

 

In order to qualify for Social Security benefits for a work injury, the worker would need to have a long-term disability, specifically one that will last at minimum 12 months. This means that a worker with a disability, such as a lost limb, could expect to receive some kind of Social Security disability benefit because their injury would be life-long. There is an extensive list of severe conditions for which the SSA will pay benefits. Additional restrictions for benefits include having a sufficiently long work history or a low enough income and limited family resources if applying for Supplemental Security Income benefits.

 

Finally, a worker may receive compensation from a private insurance policy they have purchased or that’s part of a benefits package. How much and when a worker can expect to receive compensation for their injuries from such a source depends entirely on the policy itself and the insurance company.

 

Differences Between Workers’ Compensation and Social Security

 

In Georgia, injured workers are legally allowed to collect benefits from both workers’ compensation and Social Security. However, the amount they are able to collect from workers’ compensation may be diminished if they are also receiving Social Security benefits.

 

The main differences between the disability benefits are:

 

• Anyone with a long-term disability can seek benefits through Social Security, whereas workers’ compensation benefits are exclusively for those injured at work.

 

• Workers’ compensation covers both short-term and long-term disabilities. Injured workers can begin receiving payments for lost income after seven days of missed work through workers’ compensation while Social Security only covers impairments that last longer than a year or lead to death.

 

• Even minor injuries are covered by workers’ compensation while Social Security disability benefits are only for extremely disabling conditions.

 

• Workers’ compensation gives workers coverage for all medical expenses related to their work injury. Social Security benefits don’t guarantee immediate or full payments for medical costs, but may make you eligible for Medicare or Medicaid.

 

Help With Workers’ Compensation

 

Navigating workers’ compensation can be a difficult process, especially if you are trying to deal with a disabling injury. If you are an Atlanta worker who has questions regarding a work injury, don’t hesitate to contact Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Atlanta. Our skilled team of workers’ compensation legal professionals will answer any questions you have and help you get the compensation you deserve.

 

Summer is heating up and temperatures in Georgia are expected to be in the high 80s and 90s. For workers who spend their days outside, the heat presents an additional hazard. In the interest of preventing as many heat-related worker illnesses as possible, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is attempting to boost awareness about the risks of extreme heat and heat hazards in the workplace. While they may not be the most immediate type of injuries that come to mind when you think of work injuries, they still pose a significant threat. In fact, 2,630 workers suffered from heat-related illnesses in 2014 and 18 workers died.

 

Workers affected by heat illness would be able to collect Georgia workers’ compensation if they needed to miss days from work or pay medical expenses. To find out more, contact a qualified workers’ compensation attorney.

 

The OSHA Campaign

 

Teaming up with the National Waste and Recycling Association and Republic Services, OSHA’s campaign, “Water. Rest. Shade,” seeks to increase awareness about heat hazards in the workplace. They are focusing on educational resources, training, tips on using the heat index, and an online toolkit. All of the heat-related fatalities they have investigated have been entirely preventable and the goal is to prevent any future ones from happening.

 

Workers Most At Risk For Heat Illnesses

 

While workers who spend their time indoors without air conditioning may feel uncomfortable, it is primarily workers who face hot and humid conditions outside that are most prone to heat illnesses. Of those working out in the sun, the ones most at risk are those doing heavy work or wearing bulky protective clothing and using machinery. New or temporary workers as well as those who have had time off may have even less tolerance for hot conditions. The industries typically affected most by heat-related illnesses include:

 

• Agriculture;
• Construction;
• Transportation and utilities;
• Trade;
• Grounds maintenance;
• Landscaping services; and
• Oil and gas support operations.

 

Employers in these industries should take extra care to make sure they are providing their workers with accessibility to water and shade as well as adequate breaks.

 

Heat-Related Conditions Affecting Workers

 

In hot environments, the body must work to remove excess heat and maintain a stable internal temperature. This is primarily done through blood circulation and sweating. Normal internal body temperature is 98.6 degrees and the closer the outside temperature gets to this, the more difficult it is for a worker to cool off. When the cooling mechanisms of the body fail, the body stores the heat, causing internal temperature to rise and heart rate to increase. Workers dealing with extreme heat may suffer several different heat illnesses, including:

 

 

• Heat stroke – The most serious of conditions, heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. At this point the sweating mechanism has failed, the body temperatures begins rising quickly, reaching up to 106 degrees in 10 to 15 minutes. Symptoms of heat stroke include confusion, loss of consciousness, dry skin or profuse sweating, seizures, and extremely high body temperature. Without emergency treatment, heat stroke can cause permanent disabilities or even death.

 

 

 

• Heat exhaustion – Also a very serious condition, heat exhaustion is the body’s reaction to a lack of water and salt, typically brought on by excessive sweating. Signs of heat exhaustion include experiencing headache, dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, confusion, thirst, and temperatures higher than 100.4 degrees. Workers with high blood pressure and the elderly are more likely to suffer from heat exhaustion. Anyone experiencing symptoms should be removed from the hot area, given liquids, and taken for a medical evaluation.

 

 

 

• Heat cramps – Workers who sweat a lot may experience heat cramps due to loss of fluids. These painful cramps can be relieved by drinking water or sports drinks every 15 to 20 minutes. Cramps may also be a sign of heat exhaustion.

 

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• Heat rash – Appearing as red clusters or small blisters, heat rash is the most common issue facing workers in hot environments. Heat rash is caused by excessive sweating and can affect many areas of the body, including the upper chest, neck, groin, under the breasts, and elbow creases. To treat the rash, keep it dry and get into a cooler, less humid environment. Do not use ointments or creams as this may make the rash worse.

 

 

Keys to Preventing Heat Illness and Fatalities

 

Regulations set in place by OSHA require employers to keep workers safe from known hazards, including extreme heat. Employers who have workers exposed to high temperatures should implement comprehensive heat illness prevention programs. These measures are relatively simple and are focused on the water, rest, and shade points laid out by OSHA in their awareness campaign, having workers properly trained to handle heat-illness emergencies, and gradually increasing workloads for new or returning workers so they can build tolerance. If you are an employee working in hot temperatures you should:

 

• Drink water every 15 minutes, regardless of whether you are thirsty or not;
• Taking periodic breaks in the shade to cool down;
• Wearing lightly colored clothing and a hat;
• Monitoring your co-workers for signs of heat-illness; and
• Learning the symptoms and first aid treatment for heat-illnesses.

 

Typically rising temperatures, humidity increases, low or no air movement, and a stronger sun are environmental factors that signal heat hazards.  One of the most important tools, employers and workers can use to determine when temperatures are hazardous is the heat index. The heat index is a single number that takes both temperature and humidity into account, making it a better indicator of risk than temperature alone. If workers are exposed to direct sunlight, performing prolonged or strenuous work, and wearing heavy protective clothing, the index should be raised by up to 15 degrees to account for these additional factors.

 

Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney For Help With Your Claim

 

If you are an Atlanta, Georgia worker who has sustained a work-related injury, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. Contact Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Atlanta to speak to our experienced Atlanta work injury legal team about your case and find out what options you have. We will make sure all your questions are answered and work hard to help you get the maximum settlement out of your claim.

If you have been in a workplace accident and sustained a debilitating injury, the very thought of filing a workers’ compensation claim and submitting the necessary forms can seem like a daunting task. The problem is exacerbated by the specific language and terms used by the Georgia Board of Workers’ Compensation. Soon you may be wishing you had a dictionary to help you figure out what information you are being asked for. If you are having trouble understanding the claims process, it is important that you consult with a qualified workers’ compensation attorney. Before beginning your workers’ compensation claim, make sure you familiarize yourself with these important workers’ compensation terms.

Average Weekly Wage (AWW)

How amount of workers’ compensation benefits an injured worker is entitled to is determined by their average weekly wage. In Georgia a worker will receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage, but no more than $550/week, for the time they cannot return to work. The number of weeks a worker can continue to receive this benefit depends on the severity of the injury.

Catastrophic Injury

Injuries that are considered catastrophic under workers’ compensation are extremely severe, such as loss of limbs, severe burns, blindness, etc. Generally a worker with catastrophic injuries will be able to collect permanent partial disability benefits for an unlimited period of time. The employer must provide the injured worker with a rehabilitation supplier who is an expert at handling catastrophic cases.

Death Benefits

If a work-related accident leads to a fatality, the deceased worker’s eligible dependents, such as a spouse or minor children, can receive death benefits. Benefits are calculated as two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage at the time of the injury. In addition, funeral expenses may be available as a benefit.

Disability Rating

When a work-related accident leads to a permanent disability for the worker, the treating physician will assign the injured worker a disability rating. The rating depends on the medical condition, the worker’s occupation, injury date, age of the worker at the time of injury, degree of the disability, and how reduced future earning capacity is. Disability ratings are used to calculate permanent disability benefits.

Independent Medical Examination

There are cases where an injured worker may be asked by the employer or insurance company to have an evaluation done by a different physician. This typically only happens if there is a disagreement about the extent of injuries or if there actually is an injury.

Maximum Medical Improvement

After completing all treatment prescribed by a treating physician, a worker’s injuries will heal or stabilize. If it is unlikely the injury will change substantially regardless of receiving treatment or not, the worker has reached maximum medical improvement. Either the worker will be able to return, fully healed to their job, or have some kind of permanent disability.  

Panel of Physicians

After a worker is injured they must seek medical treatment from a panel of physicians chosen by the employer. The panel of physicians must be listed in the workplace. It should consist of at least six qualified physicians, including an orthopedic surgeon and a minority physician. Seeing another doctor is only allowed in cases of emergency.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

An injured worker who can only return to a job that pays less than their original job, due to a work-related accident which resulted in a permanent partial disability, may be entitled to PPD benefits. The benefit will be a percentage of the disability rating and number of weeks assigned by O.C.G.A 34-9-263(c).  

Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

If an injured worker is unable to recover from their injuries after reasonable medical care, they may be entitled to PTD benefits if they are permanently and totally disabled from work. A worker may receive PTD for up to 400 weeks after the date of the injury if it was non-catastrophic or unlimited benefits if their injury was catastrophic.

Physical Therapy

Injured employees can be entitled to receive physical therapy as part of the medical treatment needed to recover from their work injury. It is often referenced as “PT” on forms. If PT is necessary, the treating physician will refer the injured worker to a provider.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

The Social Security Administration offers benefits to disabled individuals through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Injured Georgia workers can collect both workers’ compensation benefits and Social Security benefits, at the same time. However, SSDA benefits would be reduced.

Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)

Injured Georgia workers can receive TPD benefits if they are can only work at a job paying less than the job they were injured on. A worker may receive these benefits up to 350 weeks after the date of the injury. The amount is calculated by taking two-thirds of the difference between the average weekly wage before and after the injury occurred.

Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

If the authorized treating physician determines that an injured worker is unable to return to their job, they can receive TTD benefits. The worker will receive two-thirds their average weekly wage for a maximum of 400 weeks if the injury is non-catastrophic. Benefits are unlimited in the case of catastrophic injuries.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

An injured worker receiving temporary total disability benefits may also be eligible for vocational rehabilitation (VR) opportunities. These VR opportunities may include educational courses, job search assistance, transferable skills assessments, and a variety of other vocational aids.

Need Help With Workers’ Compensation

While many workers’ compensation cases are relatively straight-forward, when injuries are severe or result in a disability, it can be difficult to navigate a claim on your own. If you have sustained a work related injury in Georgia, contact our dedicated workers’ compensation attorneys in Atlanta to discuss the specifics of your case. Our legal team will answer any questions you have about your rights and how best to receive the maximum available benefits for your injury. As an injured Georgia worker, you have the right to receive compensation for injuries sustained on the job.

If you’re bored in the office you may find yourself suddenly scrolling down your Facebook feed for the fourth or fifth time today. We can check in on a computer or via our smartphone and there seems to be no limit on the things people will post. Social media has become ubiquitous in the lives of most Americans, with over 50 percent of adults posting regularly. Even businesses are using social media, and it goes far beyond just time wasting in the workplace. While you may be aware that posting too many photos from a crazy party night probably isn’t the best choice when searching for a job, did you know posting certain things on social media could negatively affect your workers’ compensation claim?

 

In Georgia, most workers qualify for workers compensation if they are injured on the job. If you think your social media activities might hurt your claim, working with a qualified workers’ compensation attorney can help.

 

Workers’ Compensation Fraud and Social Media Surveillance

 

While most workers who file for workers’ compensation are doing so because they have legitimate injuries, there are thousands of cases of workers’ compensation fraud that cost approximately $7.2 billion annually. A workers’ compensation claim may cause suspicion if it is reported late, there are conflicting accounts of how the injury happened, and no witnesses were present. Technology makes it easier to crack cases of workers’ compensation fraud. Although, investigating fraudulent workers’ compensation claims can be expensive, social media is making the process far simpler.

 

Investigators can use social media to find out what a worker was doing at a certain time, confirm an alibi, discover whether the worker was participating in activities that contradict their disability status, confirm policy application information, and locate witnesses. Metadata from posts of photos can also be useful for determining when and where a worker was when the photo was taken. Depending on the level of privacy of the social networking site, an investigator could discover a great deal of information through a simple Google search or a search of the social media site itself.

 

The Dangers of Social Media for Injured Workers

 

When an injured worker is mandated to take time off work due to an injury, it might seem like there is nothing to do put peruse and post on social media. Social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have users who post about nearly every aspect of their life, including interests, experiences, activities, and more. While a worker with a legitimate injury has no need to feel frightened or paranoid that their social media activities might compromise their workers’ compensation claim, they should use some restraint in what they choose to post.

 

While there is a no-fault system in place for Georgia workers’ compensation, the injured worker is still under obligation to prove to their employer that their injuries are debilitating. During a workers’ compensation investigation, a claim is looked at carefully by employers and insurers. Certain posts on social media by an injured worker may contradict the claim they have a disability from their work-related accident. For instance, a worker who has been ordered to take time off work to rest from an injury caused by heavy lifting, could have the legitimacy of their claim questioned and benefits denied if they posted a photo of themselves engaging in vigorous physical activity during the time period. It is highly recommended that you avoid posting any of the following if you are in the midst of a workers’ compensation claim:

 

• Any post about you playing sports, going to the gym, or engaging in any physical exercises not related to physical therapy for your injury;

 

• Vacation posts or photos from when you are supposed to be in recovery;

 

• Posts about other jobs you are working;

 

• Posts showing you lifting objects or doing physical activities not allowed by someone with your injury.  

 

Photos and social media posts can, of course, be misunderstood or misinterpreted, but this should be even more reason for a worker to avoid posting something compromising. While most posts may seem harmless, people have a tendency to exaggerate truth when posting on social media and insurers are not beyond manipulating posts to prove inconsistency in your injuries. If you are an injured worker receiving any workers’ compensation benefits, it’s important to be critical about what you are posting. If you are in doubt, it is better to avoid the risk by not posting on social media at all.

 

Using Social Media Wisely

 

After a work injury, social media can be a useful tool for remaining in contact with friends and family as you go through a difficult time. You may wish to share how your healing progress is going and ask for support. If you need to use social media, use these guidelines to avoid any complications with your workers’ compensation claim:

 

• Be consistent and honest about your injury and accident. If the story you told workers’ compensation authorities is different from the one you tell your online friends, a problem could arise.

 

 

• Do not talk about the financials. Posting any financial information is generally ill-advised on social media, including the outcome of a particular workers’ compensation claim.

 

 

 

• Don’t trivialize your injury or disability. You don’t want to make your debilitating work injury seem insignificant as this will not help you in a claim. Likewise, you would not want to exaggerate your current physical abilities.

 

 

 

• Never post anything relating to illegal activities.

 

 

Need a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

A debilitating workplace injury can leave you lost and feeling alone. Social media can be extremely helpful if you need to communicate with loved ones who are far away. However, social media can also be harmful in workers’ compensation claims. You don’t want to have a claim denied or benefits taken away because of a careless social media post. If you have questions about your case or need help filing a claim, contact Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Atlanta. Our team of skilled Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys have years of experience handling workers’ compensation cases and getting injured workers the compensation they deserve.

When workers are injured on the job in Georgia, they most likely qualify for some kind of workers’ compensation. Through workers’ compensation, injured workers may receive help paying for medical bills associated with their workplace injury and benefits to make up for lost income due to missed days of work. However, no worker can receive any benefits if they do not first file a workers’ compensation claim. Many workers feel intimidated by or do not fully understand the workers’ compensation process and end up making mistakes that eventually lead to a claim being turned down.

 

If you are injured in a workplace accident, it is extremely important to follow the exact procedures mandated by the Georgia Board of Workers’ Compensation. Most claims are denied simply because the worker made a simple mistake during the filing process. If you have trouble understanding the process or have questions regarding a claim, it’s important to contact a workers’ compensation attorney.

 

Mistake 1 – Failure to Report Injury

 

Although this should perhaps be the most obvious step in workers’ compensation, it is also the most common mistake. The workers’ compensation claim process cannot begin until your employer has been notified about your injury. Failing to report an injury in a timely manner can lead to suspicions about your claim or benefits being denied altogether. Many workers fear that reporting injuries may lead to disciplinary consequences. It is, however, illegal for employers to punish a worker for filing a claim. If you have been injured, you should inform and employer or supervisor, preferably in writing, as soon as possible after the injury occurs.

 

Mistake 2 – Not Providing Medical Providers With an Accurate Account

 

If you sustain an injury at work that requires medical attention, workers’ compensation benefits should cover the expenses. However, you must be diligent about fully reporting any and all injuries to medical providers and it’s crucial that you neither downplay nor overplay an injury. This is important not only so that the treating physician can provide you with the appropriate medical care, but also so benefits can be accurate. Insurance adjusters will base workers’ compensation benefits on reports given by the doctor assigned to your case and ensure that the medical reports are consistent with what the injured employee reported. Giving incorrect information during any reporting or medical treatment will jeopardize your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits.  

 

Mistake 3 – Being Careless With Paperwork

 

Throughout the workers’ compensation claims process, the injured employee must complete a variety of forms. The most important thing for an injured worker to do is complete all forms and meet all filing deadlines. Many claims are denied because of carelessness with claim forms.

 

Mistake 4 – Disobeying the Doctor’s Orders

 

Any medical treatment the treating physician deems necessary to cure, relieve, or lessen the duration of a work-related disability must be followed. An injured worker who willfully fails to attend any medical appointments, follow treatment plans, or do what is required of them to recover from the injury risks having their claim denied.  

 

Mistake 5 – Not Requesting a Second Opinion

 

When seeking medical treatment for occupational injuries, Georgia workers must choose a doctor from a panel of physicians chosen by the employer. However, medical assessments are not always the same and getting a second opinion on treatment of an injury may be beneficial to your case.

 

Mistake 6 – Returning to Work Before Sufficient Recovery

 

The goal of workers’ compensation is to ensure the fastest full recovery so injured employees may return to their jobs. In fact, injured workers are required to take work if they are physically able to do so. However, a worker who returns to work too quickly at the urging of their employer, before appropriate healing has taken place, is jeopardizing their claim. Although many workers can return to their jobs on limited or light duty before full recovery from their injuries, it is crucial that you do so only on the doctor’s orders. Your physician should specify exactly what job duties you can perform with you injury.

 

Mistake 7 – Failing to Return to Work

 

While some workers return to work too soon after their injuries, others fail to do so at all. In terms of workers’ compensation, it is important for an injured worker to return to work if their doctor states you are ready. This may mean returning to your old job with partial disability or limited duties or taking a different job entirely. If your injuries lead to a disability that force you into taking a job with less pay, there may be workers’ compensation benefits available to you.

 

Mistake 8 – Missing Out On Benefits

 

Workers who sustain serious or catastrophic injuries that prevent them from returning to their former jobs can qualify for more than just medical and income benefits. Georgia workers’ compensation also provides limited vocational rehabilitation benefits for catastrophic injuries so you can obtain different work.

 

Mistake 9 – Being Content With an Incorrect Disability Rating

 

After an injury has been treated and you have achieved the maximum recovery possible, you may still suffer from a disability. In these cases, the treating physician assigns you either a partial or total disability rating. This rating affects how much a final workers’ compensation settlement will be. If your injury is severe and you accept a lower rating, you’ll be paid far less compensation than you deserve. Because injuries leading to partial or total disability have more far-reaching effects, it’s important to work with a lawyer to ensure you receive the correct disability rating.

 

Mistake 10 – Failing to Reopen a Claim

 

Most workers assume that after filing a claim and receiving benefits, the case is closed. However, there are circumstances where new medical problems may continue long after the occupational injury occurred. It is possible for injured workers to petition the workers’ compensation board to reopen cases and seek additional assistance for costs related to the injury.

 

Avoid Common Workers’ Compensation Mistakes – Hire an Attorney

Although many workers’ compensation cases can be handled without the help of an attorney, the process can be difficult and confusing to handle on your own. If you are an injured worker in Georgia, you don’t want to run the risk of missing out on benefits because your claim was denied. To avoid making mistakes throughout your claims process, contact the Atlanta work injury claim attorneys at Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Atlanta. We will make sure you don’t fall victim to any of the workers’ compensation claim mistakes injured workers can make.