After suffering an injury at work, it is important that you understand your right to workers' compensation benefits. Unfortunately, misconceptions about the benefits can result in you missing crucial benefits. To help you separate the truth from fiction about workers' compensation benefits, here are some of the most commonly believed misconceptions. 

You Cannot Get Workers' Comp If You Did Not Miss Work

Some people believe that they are not entitled to receive workers' compensation benefits if they did not miss at least a day of work. In actuality, an injury that required a trip to the emergency room or doctor's office qualifies you for benefits. 

You can file a medical-only claim with your employer's insurance company. The company would have to cover the cost of your medical expenses related to the injury. Filing a medical-only claim is important. If you suffer a relapse in the future, you will have a record of the injury. 

If You Have a Desk Job, You Cannot Receive Benefits

A desk job does not mean that you cannot suffer an on-the-job injury. There are many daily tasks that are part of the job requirements that can lead to an injury. For instance, carpal tunnel syndrome is an injury that can be the result of repetitive motions made while typing. 

Even an injury suffered after a fall while walking through your employer's building could qualify for workers' compensation benefits. 

You Cannot Receive Benefits If You Did Not File a Report

Ideally, after you are injured in the workplace, you will file an accident report with your employer. Unfortunately, some people forget to do so and believe that they are no longer eligible to file for benefits. In actuality, you can still file a claim. 

When you fail to file a claim, it can complicate your case though. Immediately filing the accident report helps to document what occurred. However, your medical records can also back up your claim that you suffered an injury on the job. You can even rely on co-workers to help prove that you were injured. 

Your medical records are not your only way of proving your injuries. If you have co-workers that witnessed the accident, they can attest to what happened.

There are many other misconceptions about workers' compensation benefits that should be addressed by a professional. An attorney experienced in handling claims can help dispel any myths you have heard and help you with filing your claim. For more information, contact an attorney, like one from Whiting, Hagg, Hagg, Dorsey & Hagg.