4 Steps to Take after Being Injured on the Job
Posted on: 11 July 2016
Employers are typically required to carry worker's compensation insurance to cover the medical expenses and lost wages of an employee who is injured on the job. But in order to qualify for worker's compensation, you must follow protocol. If you're hurt at work, take the following steps.
Notify Your Supervisor
After being injured at work, it is important that you notify your supervisor as soon as possible. Your supervisor should fill out an accident report that outlines the details of how you were injured as well as the date and time of the injury. Make sure that you ask your supervisor for a copy of the accident report so you can keep it for your records. If your supervisor does not fill out an accident report, it is a good idea for you to write down all of the details yourself and ask your supervisor to sign it.
Seek Medical Care
Getting medical care is essential after you are injured at work, so make sure you see a doctor in a timely manner. Consult your supervisor or your company's HR department before seeking medical care—some companies may mandate that you visit an occupational health center or a specific clinic that they are contracted with for worker's compensation cases for initial care.
When you visit the doctor, make sure you carefully explain how the injury occurred at work.It is also essential to carefully follow the doctor's treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments. Failure to do so may result in your worker's compensation claim being denied, since your employer may argue that you did not get proper medical care or follow the prescribed treatment plan.
File a Worker's Compensation Claim
In most cases, it will be your responsibility to request a worker's compensation claim form from your employer. After you fill it out and include all required information and documentation that is asked for, it becomes your employer's responsibility to file the claim with their worker's compensation insurance company. If the claim is processed and approved, your medical bills will be paid for, and you will be compensated for lost wages.
When to Hire a Lawyer
There are a couple of situations where you may need to hire a worker's compensation lawyer. The first situation is if your worker's compensation claim has been denied despite your following the proper procedures. You may also want to hire a lawyer if your claim is approved but you are not compensated for lost wages in a timely manner.
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