The potential to become injured while performing job-related tasks exists for many employees on a daily basis. An injury sustained at work could qualify you for workers' compensation benefits, but only if you follow strict guidelines following your injury.

Avoid these common mistakes and, with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, you will be able to access the workers' compensation benefits you need during recovery.

1. Waiting to seek medical attention and file a claim.

One of the biggest mistakes that you can make following an injury in the workplace is failing to report the injury to your superiors. You should report all injuries as soon as they occur so that you have a documented paper trail surrounding your injury. You must also seek immediate medical attention for your injuries.

Failing to report your condition and see a doctor right after an injury occurs could impede your ability to access workers' compensation benefits because it can be argued your injury was sustained doing something other than a work-related task.

2. Failing to see the doctor your employer suggests.

As you seek out medical attention for your injuries, you need to be sure to schedule an appointment with the medical professional recommended by your employer.

The law allows your employer or their insurance company to select the physician who will make the initial assessment in any potential workers' compensation case. The report created by this approved physician will serve as the basis for your claim.

You can see your own doctor for a second opinion, but don't substitute your own physician's care for the care of the doctor your employer suggests.

3. Failing to accept work offered by your employer.

The longer your employer has to pay workers' compensation benefits, the more their premiums increase. As a result, many employers are anxious to get injured employees back into the workplace. Your employer might offer you light duty work or another temporary position while you are in recovery.

If the physician says you are capable of performing the work offered by your employer, accept the job and report for work. Many workers refuse the work offered by their employers because they will have to take a pay cut. Failing to return to work when you are capable could compromise your ability to receive a workers' compensation settlement in the future.

Workers' compensation benefits can help you stay financially afloat while you recover from an injury. Work with an experienced personal injury attorney to avoid making any mistakes that might impede your ability to access the benefits you are entitled to in the future.

Reach out to a law firm like Hodge Law Firm to learn more.