Getting injured on the job can be an incredibly terrifying experience; you may be facing long-term injuries that can debilitate you and prevent you from working in the near future or for years to come. Not only is the injury itself devastating, many employees are actually afraid to tell their employers that they’ve been injured, wondering if it will cost them their job or their benefits. When you’ve been hurt on the job, you have a few options, but it’s important to make sure you document everything carefully and correctly. Here is what you do next:
Tell Your Supervisor Immediately – Whether you think it’s a serious injury or not, you need to document the incident as quickly as possible. Technically you should have 30 days to inform your boss in writing that you plan on filing a Worker’s Compensation claim, but it’s always best to inform them as soon you can. Get your accident in writing, and make sure you have a signed copy for your own records. This is good for a number of reasons; first of all it can help expedite the payout process, which may be slow if you’re dealing with medical bills and personal finances. Secondly, it’s important to have the exact events documented in case of any confusion or questions from your company.
Get Checked Out – Next get the medical attention you need. If your injury is not an emergency and can wait a few days, try contacting your company to see if they have a certain doctor’s office or hospital they’d prefer you to go to, if you want your Worker’s Compensation to cover the bill. You may need to file some paperwork before or after your visit, so make sure you know exactly what you’ll need from the doctor.
Document the Accident – If you’re planning on filing a claim for Worker’s Compensation, you will need to document the event in writing. It’s best to start writing first, before you talk to employees and witnesses. They may have heard through the grapevine and might mix up your memory or confuse you on the details. Seek out witnesses to write sworn statements for you. Witnesses are especially important in a case of negligence, since the actual events that took place could boil down to “he said, she said.”
Find Representation and File a Claim – Find a Workman’s Compensation attorney to help you file a claim. In most states you have up to two years to file, but most people need the money immediately to cover healthcare costs and missing income. Bring your attorney your doctors’ notes, your witness statements and anything else that may help them in the matter. Going to an attorney is one of the best ways to have your claim approved on the first attempt. Often time’s employees try filing on their own and are surprised to be denied. An attorney will have your best interests at heart and will make sure you’re given the money you deserve.
Frank Jenkins Law will help you if you are injured at the workplace. Frank Jenkins has extensive experience in Worker’s Compensation cases and will help you get the maximum benefits you deserve. Visit http://www.workerscompensation.com/ for more information.
