Getting injured on the job can turn your life upside down, and you need to understand all of your rights if you want to be fairly compensated. Here is a closer look at how compensation is determined after an accident and some steps that you can take to protect your health and finances in the coming months.
Seek Out Medical Assistance Immediately
Workplace accidents are frighteningly common, and a seemingly minor injury could result in lifelong health complications if you aren’t careful. That is why you must head to the hospital immediately after an accident occurs. Even if you aren’t severely injured, your doctor will help you come up with a treatment plan that gets you back on your feet as quickly as possible. They can also screen you for concussions, soft tissue damage, and other health problems that might not be apparent right away.
What Should Be Covered?
When you are injured on the job, your employer’s compensation insurance should take care of most of your expenses. In addition to any medical costs, that insurance policy also covers lost wages. While you are recovering, you must be fairly compensated until you are able to return back to work. Every state and territory has its own compensation commission, and you will need to contact that body and file a claim after your accident.
Getting Legal Help
Unfortunately, these situations can become extremely complex, and there may come a point when you need to contact a compensation lawyer to explore all of your legal options. If your employer or the commission has denied your claim, then you will most likely need to file a lawsuit. Luckily, these suits are very common, and many of them are settled without ever going to court. Your attorney can help you come up with a compelling case and negotiate on your behalf.
Your Recovery
While you are recovering from your injury, you will need to carefully follow all of the instructions given to you by your medical team. Ignoring those instructions is going to make your recovery much more difficult than it needs to be. You should also update your employer as much as possible so that they will be ready for you when can return back to work.
When it comes to your health and well-being, you must always err on the side of caution. If you feel as if you are being mistreated in any way following a workplace accident, you need to contact a lawyer to explore all of your legal options.
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University and now writes articles about business, health, home improvement, and family. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing.
