What To Do If You Have Been Injured At Work

Accidents happen. If you have been injured at your job, there are certain things that you are entitled to, such as a recovery of lost wages and help with your medical bills. This is where workers’ compensation comes in. We’ve put together a list of steps for you to take when you have been injured on the job.

1. Report your injury to your employer. They should immediately know about the accident in order to help provide you with the best options right up front. If you hide it from them for a while, and it turns out to be a bigger injury than you initially thought, you may have a harder time proving when and where your injury occurred. Always report it as soon as possible.
2. Seek out appropriate medical treatment. If you refuse to go see a doctor or go to the ER for an injury, this can impede your case later on if you find yourself needing more medical attention. They can say that you did not treat your injury properly, which will void any claim you have to workers’ compensation. If there is a medical facility right at your job site, feel free to take advantage of that. They may know the best treatment options for your particular injury.
3. When you receive medical treatment, be sure to tell your provider that this injury occurred at work. They may have documentation that they can help you fill out, or a special way of going about your treatment. Just be clear so everyone knows what is going on.
4. Once you have seen a medical professional, report back to your employer about the extent of your injuries. If you are unable to do so, have a friend or a family member help you out.
5. Get it in writing. Have the health professional record your condition. This is especially important with larger injuries that may require more treatment down the road. Documentation of your injury is a great way to provide proof of what happened and how you went about getting treatment for your injury. Written notice of your injury must be give to your employer within 30 days of the injury in order to be considered legal.

Following these steps will ensure that you have done all that you can to report your injury to your employer and that you have followed the correct treatment plan. Check with your insurance agent to find out what kind of coverage you have, and what coverage falls to your employer. Amistad Insurance is happy to help you figure out your policy details. Give us a call today at 919-926-7166 so we can get you started!