Getting hurt on the job happens to people of all professions. Unfortunately, getting injured at work can leave you feeling uncertain about what the next steps are. You may not know how to respond, what action to take, and most importantly, how to look after your health without losing your source of income. To help you, here is what you should do if you get injured at work.
Seek Medical Attention
First thing is first—you want to make sure that you get medical attention for your injuries. After all, your injuries could be much more serious than you think, which is why it’s critical to look closely.
A trained medical professional will be able to inform you whether the injury is severe, and may even call for emergency medical assistance. Whatever happens, you want to make sure that you follow the advice of the professionals. If they tell you you absolutely must stop working, then it’s critical you do so. The same goes for taking any medication they prescribe you, and following their care plan religiously.
Report Your Injury
Perhaps most important is ensuring that you report your injury to your employer. Most workplaces will have a specific protocol in place so it should be pretty straightforward. Just make sure that you do it in a timely manner, as there is often a legal requirement for worker’s compensation claims.
If you’ve failed to report your injuries in a timely manner, it may result in your benefits being denied. The last thing you want is a long legal battle, so do yourself a favor and act quickly.
Document Everything
Documentation is incredibly important when it comes to your injuries. You should take pictures and save any forms that you filled in. The more detailed your records are, the more credible your case will be when you file for benefits.
Lastly, make sure that you provide any witness statements if your injury occurred in front of other people. This can be incredibly valuable if there are any disputes over how and when the injury took place. The more detailed and thorough you can be, the more you’ll thank yourself for it later.
Know Your Rights
Knowledge is everything— especially when it comes to legal matters like filing worker compensation claims. If you qualify for workers’ compensation, it will typically cover not only your medical expenses but also a portion of your lost wages and any rehabilitation costs. Depending on your state, worker’s compensation may even provide benefits for injuries that will affect your long-term health.
Consider consulting with a lawyer who can help you understand the benefits you may be entitled to. An attorney is incredibly valuable for helping you navigate the complex legal world and ensuring that your rights and health are protected.
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