Crucial Steps To Take If You Are Injured At Work

Workplace injuries are more common than you might think. One person is injured on the job every seven seconds. Some of these workplace injuries are fatal, and most of these injuries can be prevented to begin with.

A workplace injury can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. It could leave you with rising medical bills, pain, and unable to work, and you may want to file a worker’s compensation claim. If you have been injured at work, here are crucial steps you should take.

1.    Report your injury

Although different companies have varying policies for reporting injuries, it is important you report yours as soon as possible. In most cases, insurance companies and employers try to deny claims if the injury was not reported immediately. When reporting, be very clear and specific about when and how the injury occurred. Ensure that your employer creates some kind of official accident report for the purpose of evidence.

2.    Seek medical care and follow your doctor’s instructions

You should seek medical care promptly after a workplace accident. Your health should be your first priority, and you need to get proper medical care to treat your injury. Seeking medical care and keeping medical records can also help to strengthen your case if it proceeds to a court of law. If you neglect to get medical care, your employer or insurance company may argue that your injury was not significant enough to warrant care and hence no compensation. In addition, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions as this can be used against you as well.

Note that it is important that you give your doctor all the details about how the injury occurred, your symptoms, including pain and restricted abilities. Your doctor will establish if the injury prevents you from performing your duties at work and will inform your employer about your limitations.

3.    Keep the records

Depending on the extent and type of injury you sustained, you may be eligible for one or more of the several types of workers’ compensation benefits. Normally, your medical expenses and partial lost wages will be compensated. For this reason, you should make sure you keep all the records of your expenses related to the injury, the time you will miss work, and lost wages. This includes the receipts from lab tests, doctor’s visits, surgeries, medication, and equipment such as crutches. These records will help you build your claim and get the maximum compensation that you deserve.

4.    Get a lawyer to help you file a compensation claim

You will want to make a claim after a workplace injury to help you cover the medical expenses and any lost wages. However, navigating a workers’ compensation process can be overwhelming and stressful, especially if you are badly hurt. In addition, insurance adjusters are trained to make recorded statements that they can use to deny you compensation. It is advisable to hire a lawyer or an expert witness from the Knowles Group to help you with gathering evidence to prove your claim.

Endnote

If you have been injured at work, following these crucial steps will help you get the maximum compensation you deserve