Workplace injury is a common occurrence. And when you are injured on the job, it is important to know what to do. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. So in this article, we will discuss what you need to do when you get injured during your working hours.
- Report the Incident Immediately
- Seek Medical Attention
- Request for a List of Approved Doctors
- File a Claim for Workplace Injury
- Get Your Own Copy of the Report
- Keep Your Employer Updated
- Be Sure the Insurer Is Aware
- Speak with a Workplace Injury Lawyer
There are a few things you should do to make sure you get the most benefit from your injury claim when you get injured at work. Filing for a claim also applies when you experience a disease or disability that is job-related.
Now here are the detailed steps on what exactly you need to do.
Workplace Injury Claim: Why Report the Incident Immediately?
Take immediate action to report the injury. Report the injury to your supervisor, HR, or your union representative. And as much as possible, make a written report about the incident. Also, only telling your colleague about it who is not your superior will not be enough if you plan to file a workplace injury claim.
In most cases, reporting an injury as soon as possible is the best way to ensure that you receive all of your benefits and rights under workers’ compensation law. This is because many benefits programs require that an employee report an injury no later than 30 days after it occurs. So if you fail to report the incident right away, chances are you will not get its full benefits.
If you are unsure about what to do, consult with a lawyer or other professional who can provide guidance. And there’s no better way to do this than to get expert help from the Limbocker Law Firm.
Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you are injured at work, seeking medical treatment is one of the first things that you should do. This will help you in getting the full benefits of a workplace injury claim, and your doctor can provide you with instructions on what to do next.
If you are unable to see a doctor right away, it is still important to contact an emergency clinic or hospital to make an appointment. Any payment for the emergency treatment must be done by your employer or insurance company. See to it that you attend to all the medical appointments and follow all the instructions given.
Request for a List of Approved Doctors
Make sure you have an up-to-date list of approved doctors, who can provide you with appropriate care. This list should include doctors who specialize in workplace injuries, as well as doctors who have experience treating these types of injuries. You can ask for this list from your HR manager or supervisor. Going to a different doctor that is not found on the list will deny your chance of getting your full benefits.
File a Claim for Workplace Injury
The process of filing a claim can be complicated and may take some time, but it is important to get help as soon as possible to protect your rights and receive the benefits you are entitled to. This will require you to complete a workplace injury claim form or the so-called Form WC-14. You may want to speak with an experienced workplace injury lawyer who can help guide you through the process.
Get Your Own Copy of the Report
If you are injured at work, one of the first things that you should do is contact your employer. They will need to file a report with their insurance company and you should receive a copy of that report. Also, see to it that you have your own copy of the work injury claim form that you have filed. And if there is no written report done by your supervisor, you can always make one and save it on your files.
Keep Your Employer Updated
It is important to update your employer immediately when planning to file a workplace injury claim. This will help ensure that you receive the appropriate benefits and compensation for your injuries. If your doctor asks you to excuse yourself from work, inform your employer in writing and have your own copy. Additionally, updating your employer can help ensure that any investigations into the accident are conducted correctly.
Be Sure the Insurer Is Aware
It is necessary to make sure the insurer is aware of what happened. Include as much information as possible, such as when and where the injury occurred, how severe it is, and whether you were working at the time of the accident. If you are unable to work, tell your employer immediately so that your benefits can be processed.
More often than not, a different company is responsible for handling work injury claims. See to it that your HR manager has sent an initial report regarding your injury to your insurer. Otherwise, they will not be able to help you if they are left uninformed.
Speak with a Workplace Injury Lawyer
If you are injured on the job, it is important to speak with a work injury lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you understand your rights and options and can provide legal guidance should you decide to file a lawsuit.
So if you are in need of a workplace injury attorney, send us a message to get a free consultation.
