Top 15 Tips To Squeeze Every Dollar From Your Workers Comp Claim

A workers’ comp case can feel like it’s out of your control—but the truth is, the little choices you make along the way decide how much money you walk away with. Miss a doctor’s appointment, stop treatment too soon, or post the wrong thing online, and suddenly your payout shrinks. If you stay smart about it, you can avoid those traps and make sure you’re not leaving money behind. Here’s how to keep your case strong and squeeze every dollar you deserve.

What Steps Should You Take With Medical Care To Get The Most Out Of Your WC Case?

Choose the Right Doctor

Not every doctor knows how to handle a comp case—and if yours doesn’t, your claim could fall apart. You need someone who treats injuries and understands the comp system: how to file forms, answer the judge, and testify if needed.

This isn’t about being forced to see “your lawyer’s doctor.” It’s about picking a doctor you trust who also knows the rules of the game. Otherwise, your records might get tossed and your case can stall out.

Be Straight With Your Doctor

If you’ve had past injuries or accidents, say so. If you don’t, the insurance company will dig it up and make you look dishonest. And don’t overplay your pain either—faking a limp or holding back on a movement test almost always backfires. Just be upfront. The facts will speak for themselves, and your credibility will stay intact.

Stick to the Treatment Plan

Skipping appointments or letting months go by without seeing your doctor makes you look “non-compliant,” and that hurts your case. In New York, you need a visit at least every 90 days if you’re out of work, but don’t push it to the last day—leave some overlap. Your treatment record is proof you’re hurt. Gaps give the judge and insurance company room to argue otherwise.

Show Up for IMEs

Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) aren’t fun, but skipping them can get your benefits cut off. Go, be honest, and give your best effort. If you’ve had past injuries, mention them—even if the form doesn’t give you space, jot it in the margin. Consistency is what counts.

Track Your Travel and Expenses

Every mile you drive to the doctor or therapy counts. Same with bus or subway rides. Write it down with the date and provider. Use the official reimbursement form and send it in—those little amounts add up.

Ubers and taxis are usually only covered if you can’t drive for medical reasons, so get that documented if it applies.

How Does Documenting Accurate Wages Get You More Money?

Your weekly wage sets the value of everything in your case. If it’s wrong, you lose money. Employers and insurers sometimes underreport, especially overtime or cash pay. Bring proof—pay stubs, tax returns, even labeled cash envelopes if that’s what you’ve got.

And don’t forget about second jobs. If you worked more than one job around the time of your injury, those wages can be added in. That can make a huge difference in what you collect.

How Can You Present A Strong WC Case To Increase Your Total Payout?

Build Proof Early

From the start, create a paper trail. Give notice of your injury in writing. Save texts from your boss, incident reports, even photos of your work gear. These things can shut down arguments later that you weren’t really employed or didn’t report the injury.

On the medical side, make sure your doctor’s records are consistent. And when treatment wraps up, get that permanency evaluation done. Don’t leave the insurance company’s IME as the only voice in your file.

Get a Proper Rating at MMI

When you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), your doctor should issue a permanency report. That rating—whether it’s a schedule loss (arm, leg, hand) or a non-schedule impairment (back, neck)—directly affects your settlement. If you skip this step, the insurance company’s report takes over, and that almost never works in your favor.

Be Ready for Hearings

If you have to testify, a little prep goes a long way. Go over the basics with your lawyer—who you worked for, how you got hurt, what body parts are injured, whether you’ve worked since. You don’t need to sound rehearsed—just confident and consistent. A mock Q&A can help settle nerves so you know what to expect.

How Can Returning To Work Result In More Money In Your WC Case?

In schedule loss cases, staying out of work longer can actually reduce your final award. Why? Because every comp check you collect gets credited against your settlement. Going back sooner often leaves you better off—full wages plus a bigger award.

Even light duty counts. If you earn less, you may qualify for reduced earnings benefits. And if you’re partially disabled but not working, you’ll likely need to show a real job search to keep benefits going.

How Can You Avoid Sabotaging Your WC Case And Reducing Your Payout?

Surveillance is common. Investigators may follow you before hearings or IMEs, or scroll your social media for “gotcha” moments. They don’t need proof you’re working—they just need clips that make you look inconsistent.

Stick to your restrictions. Don’t let a grocery bag or a Facebook photo be twisted into “evidence” against you.

What's A Good Settlement Strategy To Get The Most Out Of Your WC Claim?

Don’t grab the first lowball offer. The best time to settle is usually once you’re near MMI and have solid medical evidence. That’s when your lawyer has leverage: good records, the right rating, and a properly calculated wage.

Patience and timing usually mean more money in your pocket.

Contact Us For Help With Your Workers’ Compensation Case

I know this process can be overwhelming. If you want someone to walk you through your options and make sure you’re not leaving money on the table, feel free to reach out to me, Rex Zachofsky. No pressure—if we’re a good fit, great. If not, you’ll still walk away with a clearer idea of where you stand and what comes next.