6 Steps To Take Following An Injury At Work
A normal day at work can change drastically if you're injured on the clock. Employers carry workers compensation insurance to cover the cost of medical care and lost wages if an employee is hurt at work, but if you want to qualify for those benefits there are several things that you need to do. When you're injured at work, take the following steps:
Immediately Inform Your Manager or Supervisor
If you get hurt at work, it is essential to inform your manager or supervisor right away. Ideally, this should be in writing and an accident report should be created by your boss. Make sure you get copies of any documents your employer creates in regards to the accident or your injury.
Seek Medical Care
After a workplace injury, you will need to see a doctor for treatment. Speak to your manager or the HR department for your company before you get medical care-- in some states employers are allowed to require employees to see a specific doctor who is contracted with the company for care when an injury is going to result in a workers compensation claim.
Follow Your Prescribed Treatment
It is very important to carefully follow your treating physician's prescribed treatment after a work-related injury. Failure to see your doctor for follow up appointments or take care of yourself in the way that is believed to lead to your recovery may result in a smaller payout from workers comp insurance, or a denial of your claim.
File a Workers Compensation Claim
As soon as you are physically able to do so, file a workers compensation claim through your employer. Ask for a copy of the claim to keep for your records. An adjuster from the workers compensation insurance company should contact you shortly after the claim is filed.
Keep Careful Records
Make sure you keep very organized records of all time missed from work due to your injury. When you begin speaking with the insurance company, make notes of each correspondence and indicate what was discussed. In addition, keep your copies of the original accident report and the workers comp claim form with all of your other documents related to the injury and the settlement of your claim.
Consult a Lawyer
If you are having a difficult time getting compensation from the insurance company, or if your claim is denied, it is in your best interest to consult a workers compensation lawyer. In many cases, your lawyer will be able to work with the insurance company to reach a settlement so you can receive the money you are entitled to. Continue reading more about workers comp by checking out the rest of this blog.
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