What to do if you are injured at work
Have you been injured at work? Find out what process you need to follow to protect yourself and get the compensation you are entitled to.
While some jobs are undoubtedly more dangerous than others, workplace injuries can occur at any time, in any industry, to anyone.
If you have been involved in an accident at work, and suffered injury or loss as a result, it is important to seek expert legal help, such as a neck and back injury attorney, as they will understand the process and can help to secure you the compensation you are entitled to.
In this article we will look at what you need to do if you are injured at work.
Get medical attention straight away
If you are injured at work, you need to seek medical attention immediately. Obviously, if your injury is severe or life threatening you will need to call the emergency services. But even if your injury appears to be minor, it is important to get it checked out.
Not only can delaying diagnosis and treatment lead to further damage or more complications, but a medical record of your injury will be helpful if you later need to make a claim.
Report your injury to your employer
As soon as you can, formally report the accident and your injury to your employer or manager. Your workplace should have a protocol for when an employee is injured, and this might involve completing an incident report. Give as much detail as you can about how the injury happened, where you are hurt and how. Ask for a copy of the report for your own records.
Make a personal record of your injury
It’s also a good idea to personally document your injury. Take photos of the scene of the accident and, if it is visible, of the injury. Make a note of any unsafe working conditions or other factors that may have played a part in the accident, and gather any witness statements if you can. This will all be important evidence if you need to make a case for compensation.
Follow your doctor’s recommendations
Follow any instructions given to you by your doctor, and make sure you attend your medical appointments. Keep copies of any medical bills, prescriptions and recommended treatments or therapies. These will be important evidence of your injury, treatment and time and costs incurred due to the accident, if needed later.
Report your injury to the workers’ compensation insurer
Injuries that happen in the workplace are usually covered by workers’ compensation insurance. So let your employer and their workers’ compensation insurer know about the accident and your injury as soon as you can. If you don’t, it could impact your ability to receive benefits.
Get legal advice
If your injury is severe or your claim for compensation is denied or frustrated, you can seek the help of an attorney who is experienced in workers’ compensation. They will understand the correct process to follow and guide you through it, ensure your rights and protected and that you are receiving the correct benefits.
Stay in contact with your employer
If you are off work, keep your employer informed on your recovery and when you anticipate returning to work. If your employer has any return-to-work or modified-duty programs, ensure you comply fully with them.
Get help to navigate to the process smoothly
Suffering an injury at work can be a lonely, painful, stressful and expensive. With a legal expert on your side you can ensure that your legal rights are protected and you have access to the right treatment to speed up your recovery and get compensation for your losses. So you can return to work sooner and get your life back on track.
