There are nearly three million reported nonfatal workplace injuries in the United States every year. If you get injured at work, do you know what steps you need to take?
To help you get the compensation you deserve following a work injury, there are five things you need to do immediately after a workplace injury occurs.
Many of I readers are asking, “What to do if I am injured at work?” Keep reading to learn what to do if you’re injured at work so you can ensure your workers’ compensation claim is accepted and you get what you need to get back to work.
1. Report Your Injury
The first thing you have to do is report your injury to your supervisor or employer. This is essential because many workers’ comp claims are thrown out when an employee can’t prove the accident happened at work.
Be sure you have additional witnesses of your injury and get your report in writing as soon as you can.
2. Find a Workers’ Comp Doctor
The type of injury you sustain and the symptoms you’re experiencing will determine what type of doctor you’ll need to see. For example, chronic pain and migraines will need to be seen by a neurologist.
Whichever type of doctor you decide to visit, be sure to get a doctor that specializes in workers’ comp cases. If you are injured in NYS, make sure that your doctor is authorized by the Worker’s Compensation Board to treat injured workers.
They’ll have more experience with your condition and know what type of paperwork they need to provide for you.
3. File a Worker’ Compensation Claim
In most states, your employer will need to file a claim with their insurance company. However, you will need to make sure the doctor fills out and mails in the proper forms to the Workers’ Compensation Board and that you fill out the forms provided by your employer.
4. Start Keeping Track of Everything
As you wait for the results of your claim and continue seeing your workers comp doctor, be sure to get copies of everything and keep as much evidence of your injury, medical care, and lost work as you can.
If your claim is approved for a fair amount, all that’s left to do is decide if you want to accept it as a lump sum or a structured settlement.
5. Contact a Workers’ Comp Attorney
You only have to contact a workers’ compensation attorney if you’re not being offered enough money to cover your medical care and lost work or if your claim is unfairly denied.
This is when you’ll want to pull out all of your paperwork and show it to the attorney. They can determine if you have a case and help you pursue the right legal course of action to help you get what you deserve.
Injured at Work? Get Help Now
Now you know what you should do if you get injured at work. As you can see, following these steps will help you get appropriate compensation and the medical treatment you need to return to normal.
If you received a work-related injury, we would love to help you find a workers’ comp doctor in your area. These are specialists that know how the system works so they can help you navigate it while treating your condition.
Call (888) 590-4030 and get help now!