Injuries at work can happen at any moment so it’s important that you know what to do if you have sustained a work injury in order to obtain the compensation for medical expenses and lost wages that you are due. Below we list five steps you should take if you’ve been injured on the job.
1. Promptly Report the Injury
Often, work injury claims are denied by workers’ compensation insurance companies and employers if the injury is not promptly reported. That’s why it’s crucial to report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. You should also provide as much detail as possible in your report and make sure that your employer creates an official report so that there is paper evidence of when you reported your injury.
2. Seek Medical Attention
You should always seek the proper medical attention following an injury. When it comes to work injuries, this is no different, and it’s especially important that you consult with your doctor. This is because, down the line, it could be argued that lack of medical care means that the injury is not significant enough to warrant workers’ compensation benefits.
It’s also important that you tell your doctor your injury is work-related and to follow your doctor’s exact instructions on caring for your injury.
3. Keep a Record of Interactions
Whenever you have an interaction with your employer or an insurance representative about your injury, you need to record the date, time, and what was discussed. Keeping a record of these interactions can prove to be useful if your workers’ comp claim is denied. You should also keep a record of interactions with your doctor including appointments and treatment.
4. File a Claim
In most cases, your employer should be responsible for sending your claim form and all necessary documentation to the workers’ compensation insurance carrier. Your employer may also be required to report your injury to the state workers’ compensation board.
Once your claim is filed, it will either be approved or denied by the insurer. If the claim is approved, you may accept the payment or negotiate for a larger settlement. If the claim is denied, you can request a reconsideration or file an appeal through your state workers’ compensation commission/board.
5. Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Navigating the workers’ comp process can be difficult. Plus, the process can become even more complicated when it comes to negotiating your settlement or filing an appeal. That’s why you should have an experienced attorney by your side. According to the Illinois workers’ compensation lawyers at Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, a workers’ comp attorney can gather the necessary evidence, communicate with all involved parties, negotiate with insurers, handle the appeals process, and represent you at the appeals trial. Having an attorney will make the entire process smoother and ensure you get the benefits you’re entitled to.
If you’ve been injured at work, it’s important to report your injury to your employer as soon as possible and follow the above steps. By doing this, you have the best chance of getting the compensation for your injuries that you deserve.