Injuries at work can happen at any time and can be a confusing situation to deal with. However, as an injured employee, you may be entitled to compensation for missed work, medical care, mileage reimbursement, and certain other benefits after your accident. Hiring a workers’ compensation attorney can help you collect fair payment. Here are the steps to take after experiencing an injury in the workplace.
Report Your Injury
As soon as a workplace accident happens, report the incident to your supervisor as quickly as possible, regardless of whether or not you think you’ve sustained an injury. Symptoms may develop later, and the longer you wait, the harder it may be to prove your injury occurred in the workplace. If you have been injured, your employer should then file a workers’ compensation claim on your behalf. If they do not, request that one be filled out to ensure you receive benefits. Additionally, it’s best to keep a copy of this report for your own records.
Seek Medical Care
If you are injured, seek medical care as soon as possible. It is very important to tell the front office staff and your doctor that your injury occurred at work. The front office staff will need this information to bill for your treatment correctly. Additionally, having a note in your medical chart that you have a work injury makes it more difficult for your employer or the insurance company to deny that your injuries happened at work.
Keep a Record of Missed Work and Expenses
Keep detailed records of information regarding your injuries and expenses. Keep track of any missed work due to your injury, including dates and time missed, and request a note from your doctor at every appointment addressing your ability to work. Prepare a log of all miles traveled for medical appointments and picking up prescriptions. The log should include the date you traveled, the address you traveled to and from, and the roundtrip mileage. If you pay for any medical appointments or prescriptions, keep all receipts.
Have a Plan for Returning to Work
Your doctor will play an important role in determining how you return to work safely after a work injury. At every appointment, ask that your doctor address your ability to work. Your doctor may keep you off of work, return you to work with specific restrictions or return you to work without restrictions. Talk with your employer about your ability to work and discuss any restrictions you have from your doctor. If you are off of work completely or partially, you may be owed temporary benefits. If your employer terminates you after a work injury, contact an attorney immediately.
Reach Out to An Attorney
Working with an experienced injury lawyer can help take some of the confusion out of dealing with workplace accidents. A lawyer can assist you with filling out forms, communicating with your employer and insurance companies, and help you secure compensation for your medical expenses and missed work.
Have you been injured at work? Dyer Law has a team of knowledgeable attorneys to help you understand your rights and see that you’re compensated fairly. Contact us today!