A workplace injury can occur in nearly every profession. After a work-related accident, it is important to act quickly to protect your legal rights. Many states have a very short window in which you must report a workplace injury in order to be covered by workers’ compensation. Follow these steps to ensure that you are able to get the benefits you deserve.
Immediately After a Workplace Injury
You should always report any accident that you are involved in while working right away. Your workplace injury may not be apparent immediately following the accident, so it is imperative that you report each accident in case an injury does not present symptoms immediately. Reporting accidents is also important in helping your employer make sure that they are providing a safe working environment for employees.
Another reason that it is important to report an accident and workplace injury is that your employer will need to file a workers’ compensation claim with their insurance on your behalf. You will want to let your employer know right away if you have a workplace injury. If you report the accident and then discover the injury later, let them know that you are injured as soon as you discover the injury.
It is also important to see a doctor as soon as you can after a workplace injury. If you are seriously injured, go to the emergency room. If you are not seriously injured, ask your employer if they require you to see a specific doctor or if you are able to select which doctor you see. Be aware that workers’ compensation laws may entitle you to a second opinion.
You may also want to consult with an attorney that has experience with workplace injury claims. This should be done soon after the accident so that your attorney can advise you through the claim process.
Following up After a Workplace Injury
It is important to follow up after your workplace injury to make sure that your employer has filed your claim. You are also entitled to a copy of the claim filed by your employer so be sure to get your copy and save it for your records. It is also important to keep copies of all other paperwork from the claim process.
Do not accept any settlements for your workplace injury until your attorney and doctor advise you. You do not want to accept a claim before you are finished with any appointments.