*The last thing anyone at work wants is for someone to be injured on the job.
What do you do when it happens to you? Getting hurt anywhere is bad, but when it’s at work, there are special considerations to deal with.
If you do get hurt at work, make sure to follow these five steps to ensure that you receive the worker’s compensation you deserve.
- Get to a Safe Space
Many of the items on this list have to do with formal procedures and documentation, but none of that will be mean much unless you get out of harm’s way.
The first consideration should always be to get to safety.
If the injury happens in a dangerous or busy location, the person may be susceptible to even further injury if not removed immediately from the situation.
- Report Your Injury
As soon as it is safe to do so, you should report the injury. Even if officially you have up to 10 days to report it, the sooner you do this the better. Many insurance companies will use whatever means they can to try to deny compensation, so early reporting is always best.
The proper person to report to should be listed in your company guidelines, but if there is any doubt, simply report the injury to your immediate supervisor or HR representative.
Document the date and time you reported the injury and any other details that are relevant.
- Seek Medical Attention
Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need to seek medical attention even before you report the injury to your supervisor. Again, never sacrifice an immediate safety or health concern for timely paperwork https://tramadol4painrelief.com.
If possible, you can even see a specific workers compensation doctor. They will know exactly how to proceed to help you in your case.
If you see your normal primary care physician, make sure to explain that the injury was related to your job. Ask that the doctor specifically state this in their notes so that there is a paper trail.
Document that you sought medical care, the date, the doctor’s name, and other details.
- Document Everything
You might have picked up on the importance of documentation. This will all be important if there is any disagreement about your case.
In addition to documenting the details of your injury, when you reported it, and information about seeking medical care, you will also want to document all the time you had to miss work, travel expenses, and any other expense you may have had related to your job injury.
Your employer may offer an easy digital way to document, as the worker’s compensation industry is finally starting to move online.
- Contact a Lawyer
It is very possible that the insurance company involved will try to dispute your claim. After all, they exist to make money, just like any other business.
To have a chance going up against an insurance company, you’ll want a lawyer with experience in worker’s compensation.
Injured on the Job?
Being injured on the job is a stressful ordeal. To avoid it also being a costly experience, remember to get to safety, report your injury, call a doctor, document everything, and get legal assistance.
Following these important steps will help you get all the worker’s compensation that you’re legally entitled to receive!
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