4 Important Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury

Work-related injuries can be a life-changing experience for you and your family members. These injuries can leave you with hefty medical bills and lost wages. Fortunately, when you get injured at work, you are entitled to workers' compensation benefits to cater to these costs.



However, not everyone can be eligible for workers' compensation. Some employers and insurance companies may look for loopholes to deny you the benefits or reduce their costs. Therefore, you need to follow the right procedure to ensure you receive the benefits. This article highlights four steps to take when you get injured at work.

1. Report the Injury to Your Supervisor

Different companies have different policies when it comes to reporting workplace injuries. However, you should report the incident to your supervisor immediately. If you are unable, you can report later, but you should not wait for more than 30 days.

When you report the accident, give all the specific details. You need to tell the supervisor when the accident occurred and how it happened. While making the report, ensure your supervisor keeps a written record. This report will help you make a workers' compensation claim. Also, be sure to get a copy of the report to serve as evidence if anything goes wrong.

2. Get Medical Assistance

When you sustain a serious work injury, you need immediate medical assistance from any certified medical practitioner. When the emergency is over, you can ask your manager to recommend you a doctor who satisfies their workers' compensation requirements for follow-up visits. 

During the treatment, explain to your doctor about all your injuries. You may also ask your doctor to give you a medical report that explains your injury. Other things that should be included in your doctor's report include:

• Medical costs
• Doctor visit dates
• Dates you missed work due to the injury

If you neglect the injury, your employer or the insurance company may argue that your injury was not serious enough to warrant treatment or compensation. Your employer may also dispute whether the injury was work-related, and you may not get the workers' compensation benefits.

After treatment, you need to strictly adhere to your doctor's instructions to avoid further complications. For instance, your doctor may ask you to stop working completely or rehab your injury at least two times a week.

3. File Your Claim

After you report an injury to your supervisor, you'll need to file a workers' compensation claim. Most times, you'll need to file this claim within one to three years after the accident. However, some states may give you more time. If this time elapses, you will not be eligible for the benefits.

Workers' compensation does not only cover injuries that occur due to one-time accidents. This policy also covers any condition you may develop over time while working. For instance, if your work involves lifting heavy objects, you may develop back problems. Don’t hesitate to file a claim for these chronic issues.

4. Hire a Lawyer 

Filing a workers' compensation claim can be a long and overwhelming process. For this reason, you need to hire a personal injury attorney.

While you look for an attorney, you need to determine their level of expertise in these types of accidents. To win your case, you'll need to hire an experienced lawyer since they have all the necessary knowledge and skills to handle your case. Also, these lawyers know how to handle problems in case of any complications.

Another thing that you should keep in mind when you hire a personal injury attorney is whether they are licensed to work in your area. To find an eligible lawyer, you can search online about the best personal injury attorneys in your area and read their reviews. If a person has many negative reviews, avoid them. You can also ask your family or friends for recommendations.

Getting the most out of your workers' compensation claim is essential for your health and financial stability. To enjoy these benefits, ensure you don't make any mistakes that may compromise your eligibility. For more information about workers' compensation policy or for assistance with your claim, contact The Law Office of Paul R. Bennett.