Hopefully, you work in a safe work environment with the proper protective gear. Even with the correct precautions in place, though, injuries can still occur. If you are injured on the job, it’s important to know what your next steps need to be in order to receive proper treatment. To help protect you and keep your employer honest, here are the rights you are entitled to if you are injured on the job.
The Right to File A Claim
This right is the most important right and is foundational to the rest of the healing process. Your right to file a worker’s compensation claim cannot be hindered by your employer for any reason. If you have been injured on the job, you will not be able to be treated by a physician unless you file a claim to begin the worker’s compensation process. Therefore, it’s important to file your claim as soon as possible after your injury occurs.
The Right to Treatment
Most workplace injuries will require some type of treatment to help you recover. Fortunately, you are entitled to this treatment as a basic right as an employee of your company. Whatever is medically necessary to help you overcome your injury must be paid for by your company’s insurance company, even if your treatment lasts for a significant amount of time.
The Right to An Attorney
The field of worker’s compensation can be confusing and overwhelming. Fortunately, you have the right to have workers compensation lawyers representing you throughout the process. By having a lawyer on your side, you can be sure that you’ll meet all the necessary deadlines and that you’ll be able to fully understand any restrictions from or requests made by your employer.
The Right to Compensation
With any workplace injury, the most pressing concern is that you won’t be able to work while you recover. The good news is that because you received your injury at work, you are eligible for disability compensation to one degree or another. This is something that you or your lawyer will need to stay on top of, as the filing deadlines for disability payments are typically fairly strict and based on certain milestones that occur after your injury.
When you’re injured at work, it can seem like you don’t have any resources at your disposal. Fortunately, thanks to robust worker’s compensation laws, you have plenty of people on your side to help you get better. Even if your employer tries to rub up against those laws, you’ve got people who can stand up for you to ensure you get everything you’re entitled to.
Author information: Anica Oaks is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.
