If you work in an industry where on-the-job accidents are common, you need to take extra precautions to avoid becoming a statistic. Unfortunately, even with all the precautions, you may still suffer an injury that will require workers compensation benefits. If that happens, you want to make sure that you avoid making any mistakes that could be labeled as fraud. Even if you don't intentionally commit fraud, actions can lead to those charges. If you're injured on the job, and need to file for workers compensation, you need to avoid mistakes that could get you into trouble. Here are three important steps you need to take to avoid being hit with workers compensation fraud charges.

Report Every Injury You Incur While at Work

When you're working, you may suffer minor injuries along the way. When you do, it's important that you report them as soon as possible. Even if they don't require medical care, your employer will need to be made aware of the injuries. If you don't report them, they could come back to haunt you later on. For instance, if you're involved in an accident that results in serious injuries, and there is evidence that you were involved in a similar incident earlier that you failed to report, you may have trouble with your workers compensation claim. To protect yourself, be sure to report every injury you incur while at work.

Report All Previous Injuries

If you've suffered non-work related injuries that you received medical care for, you'll need to report those on your workers compensation forms. This is particularly important if those injuries are similar to the injuries you've suffered at work. The insurance company will obtain a copy of your medical records. If those injuries are reported in your medical records, but you failed to disclose them on your workers compensation claims, they may deny your claim for benefits. Not only that, but you may end up being investigated for workers compensation fraud. To avoid that, you need to disclose any prior non-work related injuries you may have suffered in the past.

Report Any Extra Income You Make

It can be difficult to survive financially when all you're receiving is your weekly workers compensation benefit checks. If that's the case, you may decide to take on a small part-time job that you can do within the medical restrictions you're dealing with. For instance, if you're not able to be on your feet, you may find a part-time job doing computer work from home. If you do, it's crucial that you report that income to workers compensation. Failure to report that income could cause you to lose your benefits, and be charged with workers compensation fraud.

If your work-related injuries require you to go out on workers compensation, you need to sit down with a workers compensation attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will be able to help you avoid mistakes that will get you in trouble with the insurance company.