If you sustain an injury at work, you may not know what to do. Most employers have to provide workers’ compensation. But the entire process can be overwhelming and confusing. Take the steps in this post to, and it will help you get the best possible outcome.
Immediately Tell Your Employer
The first step to take is reporting your accident to your employer. Most states have statutes of limitations for reporting an accident. This means a report must be made within a specific period. In many cases, this period is relatively short.
You need to tell your employer even if the injury seems minor or you’re not in pain. Sometimes small accidents can lead to long-term medical problems. A report may also help your employer make changes to prevent your fellow workers from future injuries.
Your employer must file a workers’ compensation claim with their insurance provider. They’ll usually give you the claim forms to fill out. Make sure to fill them out quickly but accurately, then give them to your employer. Follow up with your employer to make sure your claim was filed. You should also get a copy of the claim.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
It’s crucial to get medical treatment for your injury as soon as possible. You may go to urgent care or the emergency room if you need to. If you had a minor accident, you still need to visit a doctor right away. Give your doctor or medical provider as much detail as possible. Doing so can help them determine what treatment you need.
Ask your employer if you need to see a specific doctor for initial treatment. It’s common for an employer’s insurance company to require this. You are allowed to follow up with a different doctor, and you can always seek a second opinion.
Document Everything Related To Your Personal Injury
It’s essential to have evidence of your work-related injury. Proof of your injuries can determine how much compensation you receive. Additionally, documenting the facts can prove that you’re not at fault. These are examples of crucial documentation:
- the medical documents from your initial treatment (emergency room, urgent care, etc.)
- any additional medical records from further treatment
- receipts for prescription medication and over-the-counter treatment
- photographs of any visible injuries
- any paperwork your employer gives you
There’s no such thing as too much documentation. Keep records and proof of every detail related to your workplace accident.
Get Help From A Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Consulting an attorney is very important if you’re hurt at work. Your employer’s insurance company looks out for the best interest of your employer. You may be offered less financial compensation than you deserve. In some cases, insurance companies try to prove the worker is responsible for their own injury.
You need someone looking out for your best interest too. A workers’ compensation attorney is also known as a personal injury lawyer. We specialize in this area of law and work hard to help injured workers.
Contact The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today to schedule a free consultation appointment.
