Suffering a workplace injury can be a real pain – to the body, mind, and pockets. Imagine breaking your arm over a slip-and-fall accident or suffering a head injury during a warehouse inventory. Without knowing how to respond to such situations, you’d end up dealing with them on your own, and that can be disheartening. You won’t have to fear this situation happening anymore once you know the steps to ensure your well-being and protect your rights.
Put Health and Safety First
Clear your mind first of the worries about what will happen after the injury, and focus on addressing the injury and taking care of yourself. It won’t do you any good if you have not physically and mentally recovered from the injury. For minor injuries, receive first aid immediately; then, schedule a medical checkup even if the injury seems negligible. It’s another story if the injury is serious, as emergency medical assistance is needed right away. Don’t fall into the “I’m okay” trap and disregard treatment because it’s too minor to treat. Head injuries, back issues, and repetitive strain injuries don’t immediately elicit symptoms, and when they do, it’s usually when they’re worsening.
Notify Your Employer Immediately
Prompt reporting of the injury to your manager, supervisor, or HR department is vital for compliance and documentation purposes. Most workplaces establish procedures for reporting incidents within a certain period to remain eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Reporting your injury within the prescribed timeframe shows your awareness and adherence to company procedures, which will bode well for you later on. Another benefit of prompt workplace injury notification is a more detailed documentation of the events that transpired and the description of the injury and damages. In the report, ensure to include details such as when and where the injury occurred, what caused the incident, and any witnesses present during the accident. Don’t put off your report even for another day, as it can complicate your claim, or worse, result in denial. If your workplace has formal reporting procedures or forms, make sure to fill them out completely and keep a copy for your records.
Consult a Legal Professional
A proactive and anticipative approach through legal consultation can save you the trouble of filing a dispute or appealing a claim denial. Experienced personal injury attorneys in Yukon suggest seeking legal advice if the injury is serious or permanent, or if you believe that negligence or employer retaliation is involved. Knowing your right to proper compensation for your injuries is something that must be upheld and not compromised in any way by the employer. Having a consultation with a legal expert encourages you to speak with your employer, discuss, and ask for the full benefit stipulated by your state’s workers’ compensation law. A lawyer can also guide you if your injury falls outside the scope of workers’ compensation, such as in cases of third-party liability or unsafe working conditions. Navigating the legal system can be daunting without legal experts assuring they have your back, so don’t set aside legal consultations as the last option. Having them accompany you on your workers’ compensation claim is enough to deter employers or insurers from being uncooperative, ensuring you receive a fair and deserved compensation.
Gather and Organize Pertinent Documentation
Your prompt action on having your injury checked and treated by a medical professional will pay off in the form of medical documentation. This is one crucial evidence related to your injury that can strengthen your claims. Ensure to inform the doctor that your injury was acquired at work so that it can be documented as such in the medical record. Having documentation on hand positions your claim as credible, so request copies of all medical records, reports, prescriptions, and treatment plans. Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion even if your employer requires you to see a specific physician, as it may be included as your right in your state’s workers’ compensation laws.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Whether you have diligently studied your right to workers’ compensation or have only recently known about it, the awareness of it plucks out the seeds of doubt and ignorance. Most states require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover employee medical bills and lost wages. The extent of your responsibility in filing a workers’ compensation claim is to complete the appropriate claim forms and submit them on time. Going back to the timely notification discussion earlier, prompt filing of workers’ comp shows your employer your resolve in claiming compensation while following business procedures, which positively impacts the outcome. Accurate information is vital for a successful claim, too, so review all forms carefully before submitting and keep a copy as documentation.
You aren’t reporting to work only to get injured. Your workplace is supposed to be your income-generating vehicle, and injuries can disrupt not only your finances but also the lives of people depending on you. It is only right that you claim compensation for it by knowing your rights and having the presence of mind to take the right actions. When doubts about the next steps to take surface, reach out to professionals, especially legal experts, for support, so that your physical, financial, and legal recovery is within reach.
