When it comes to safeguarding your workers' compensation claim, explore important steps you should take if you're injured at work.
Employment Law

Essential Steps to Take if You’re Injured at Work

Have you been injured at work and don’t know where to turn?

Whether your injury is preventing you from working, or it occurred while getting the job done and needs to be addressed, you need to be sure to follow the right steps. Working while injured is nothing but bad for the body, and it could get worse if you delay treatment.

Keep reading and explore the tips below to make sure you’re on the right path after an injury at work.

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Seeking Appropriate Medical Attention

Medical attention should be tailored to the needs of the injured worker and any advice given by the medical care provider should be followed. It is important to keep detailed records of the treatments received. This record of treatments received is both for the peace of mind of the worker and to enable them to claim any insurance or other related benefits in the future.

Report Your Injury

In most cases, your employer is required by law to report the work injury to their insurance company and the local OSHA office. To ensure that your injury is properly documented, you must make sure to file an accident report with your employer immediately after the incident occurs.

Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions

This means making sure to arrive at all follow-up appointments, take any prescribed medications, and complete physical therapy or other treatments that your doctor recommends. It is important to commit to proper rest and exercise to speed up your recovery.

Additionally, keep a record of all your medical appointments, notes from doctor visits, and your expenses due to the injury. This can be beneficial if you file a claim for workers compensation.

Documenting the Incident

It is important to document the incident if you are injured on the job. It is important to keep a record of what happened and when it happened. This way, if a claim arises, you will have supporting evidence to take with you.

If possible, take photographs and make sure to include the date in your documentation. Speak with witnesses, if any, and record their statements and contact information. Additionally, document any conversations you have with your employer or their insurance adjuster relating to the incident.

Contact an Attorney

If you have been injured while at work, contacting an attorney should be your first step toward filing a worker’s compensation claim.

While some employers may offer a ‘no-fault’ system to cover medical costs and wages during the recovery period, understanding the finer details of the settlement can often be difficult to discern alone. An attorney can be an advocate for your protection during this difficult and delicate process.

They can provide answers to any questions regarding the settlement. Additionally, attorneys can review the Settlement Agreement to ensure that everything is fair and you are adequately compensated for the injury. Read more here to find out more about worker compensation and making a successful claim.

Explore Important Steps You Should Take if You’re Injured at Work

Steps to take if you are injured at work should not be taken lightly. You should immediately report your injury to your manager, seek medical attention, and reach out to an experienced attorney who can help protect your legal rights.

Make sure to do all necessary research before pursuing an injury claim.

If you’d like to find more advice, tips, and tricks, be sure to check out the other great articles on our website.

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