Workers compensation lawyer lists the top five secrets the insurance company does not want you to know and how you can protect yourself.

1. You might be paid the wrong amount.

Most people assume that they are receiving the correct amount of wage loss benefits. The truth is that insurance companies often make mistakes - and those mistakes are never in your favor.

Insurance companies fail to include overtime, premium pay, tips, bonus payments, and the value of fringe benefits. Other errors that insurance companies make are failing to include all of your dependents and using the wrong tax filing status. Some states even allow you to get additional wage loss benefits if you were working a second job at the time of injury.

It is always a good idea to consult with an experienced workers compensation lawyer to make sure that you are receiving the correct wage loss benefits.

2. Insurance companies push you to see their doctors.

One of the most important benefits under workers compensation is access to medical care. Be careful treating with doctors recommended by your employer or the insurance company because of a potential conflict of interest.

Insurance companies use the same doctors over and over again because they know how they view a particular injury and what they will say in court. If your workers compensation benefits are ever disputed, you will need a doctor who will be on your side.

3. It is standard practice for insurance companies to dispute some work injuries.

Insurance companies deny workers compensation benefits for a variety of reasons. The number one reason is because you have some incidental findings of arthritis. Almost everyone develops arthritis as they get older and this does not mean that you did not suffer a legitimate injury at work.

Most people with arthritis have some aches and pain but are able to work. When you have a traumatic injury, something may have changed. It is important to explain to your doctor how you were hurt and any new symptoms.

Insurance companies think of arthritis as a magic bullet that gives them permission to stop workers compensation benefits. They will ignore the facts surrounding your injury. Medical conditions such as degenerative disc disease are used to deny workers compensation benefits. It is important to understand that these conditions can be made worse by a traumatic injury and can be compensable under workers compensation law.

4. Insurance companies are watching you.

Insurance companies hire professional investigators to follow and record the activities of most individuals who claim workers compensation benefits. These investigators will scour the Internet and social media websites like Facebook and Twitter looking for evidence against you. Some investigators will even talk to your neighbors behind your back.

Insurance companies will tell you that they use investigators to stop fraud and abuse. Many times they are just looking for a way to deny workers compensation benefits. Insurance companies will attempt to find some proof that your workers compensation claim is not legitimate.

Be cautious of your surroundings and never do anything beyond the medical restrictions given by your doctor. Investigators will take snippets of video out of context and try to prove that your work injury is not real.

5. Insurance companies will not tell you about all benefits.

Insurance companies want to save money on workers compensation claims. This results in you not being told about all of your workers compensation benefits.

You could be entitled to vocational rehabilitation to help with retraining and job placement. You might also qualify for attendant care to help with activities of daily living. Mileage should also be paid to and from your doctors.

- Alex Berman is the founder of Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers. He's been representing injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Alex has helped countless people obtain workers compensation benefits and never charges a fee to review a case.

All content on Accidents.com is for informational purposes only and is NOT intended as legal or medical advice. Please seek advice from a professional on any related topics.

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