We rarely imagine getting injured at work. Yet, in 2019, there were 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported in the private sector alone. So it’s only sensible to educate yourself about what to do if the worst should happen.
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This article aims to help you understand what kind of claim you might have to make should you suffer a workplace injury and exactly how to set it in motion. So you can rest assured that should you experience an accident at work, you’ll be able to take action and get the compensation you deserve.
Always Seek Medical Attention Immediately
As soon as the workplace accident has happened, you must seek medical attention for yourself.
Depending on whether or not you’re a federal worker and the state you are in, you may have to go to the medical provider chosen by your employer.
However, you’re only obliged to see this provider for a maximum of 30 days before being able to choose your physician for any further treatment.
Inform Your Employer About the Injury
You must inform your employer about the injury that you’ve acquired in the workplace as soon as possible. If you don’t notify them within 30 days, then you may be unable to claim compensation.
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Your workplace should have an incident reporting policy where you submit a form that documents your injuries and the context in which they happened. You should make sure that the injuries you record are evidenced with information from your medical examinations.
During this time, ensure that you complete any relevant forms required by your state to claim workers’ compensation correctly.
You May Need a Lawyer
If you feel you’ll need guidance throughout this process or have a complex claim on your hands, it’s worth investing in a lawyer.
A workers compensation attorney can help you understand the claims process’s complexity and assist you with undertaking it. They can also help represent your interests if your employer disputes or makes it difficult to file your claim. As summed up by diamondlaw.ca,‘you may need a dedicated personal injury lawyer who works in the field and understands it through and through.’
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A personal injury lawyer can help you determine whether you have a case for negligence against your employer. They can also assess whether your injuries could entitle you to a bigger payout than offered by workers’ compensation. However, be aware that you cannot typically file for any compensation once you file for a personal injury claim.
Final Word
If you find yourself hurt at work, it’s important to act quickly. Seek immediate medical attention if you require it and then make sure you document as much as possible. If the injury was not your fault, consider pursuing a personal injury claim before pursuing a workers compensation claim. If you follow these guidelines, then you’ll be able to secure the compensation you deserve.
