Getting injured while on the job leads to a wide range of health and financial issues. Despite the steps employers and their workers take to ensure on-the-job safety, workplace injuries still happen.
Knowing what to do if you’re injured on the job ensures that you obtain the treatment and financial compensation that you deserve while minimizing the impact that a workplace injury has on you and your family.
Report the Injury to Your Employer
The first step in dealing with a workplace injury is to report the injury to your supervisor or management team.
You need to provide all of the details related to your injury and do so within 30 days to avoid the possibility of losing your right to getting worker’s compensation benefits.
Whenever possible, provide the details of your workplace injury in writing. Although some state laws allow a verbal report to be made, it’s a good idea to have the information documented for future reference.
The statute of limitations related to a workplace injury may be unique to your particular location. In any case, filing an injury report immediately is always the best approach.
Request to See a Doctor
Getting treatment is one of your first priorities after a workplace injury. Immediate care such as first aid should be applied right away, and subsequent medical care should be obtained as early as possible.
In order to receive worker’s compensation benefits, individuals are typically required to obtain medical care from a provider who has the authorization of the Worker’s Compensation Board.
Although this may not apply in emergency situations, it’s important to know which health care providers should be used when a work-related injury occurs.
Your employer should have provided all of the information you need related to any PPO or ADR program requirements that are relevant to a workplace injury. This includes information pertaining to medical and diagnostic testing as well as pharmacy options.
You may be able to use a doctor of your choosing if you’ve already made a written request prior to your injury.
A 30-day maximum may also apply to the time period in which you need to see an employer-appointed doctor. Employees may use their own doctor once this 30-day period has ended.
Request Worker’s Compensation Forms for Completion
Obtaining and submitting worker’s compensation forms is critical to receiving the benefits you deserve. Employers aren’t required to provide benefits unless these forms have been completed.
In some states, employers are required by law to have the worker’s compensation forms needed by their employees to file a claim. An injured employee may lose access to benefits if these forms aren’t completed within 2 years from the date on which the injury occurred.
A worker’s compensation claim is essentially a formal request for the benefits that are granted to employees. You should make copies of all submitted forms for your own records and provide the originals to your employer.
Obtaining your worker’s compensation benefits may often seem complex. But an attorney who is skilled in working with workplace injuries can guide you through the process.
It’s important to have a full understanding of your rights and the steps you need to take to resolve your case. An attorney provides you with the information and resources you need to avoid any issues in getting compensated for your injuries.
Reporting your injury to your employer and getting the medical treatment you need are the first steps in this process.
Proper completion and submission of your worker’s compensation forms and working with an experienced attorney to guide you will maximize the compensation you receive while helping you reclaim your quality of life.
