Injuries can happen during office hours and at any time. When you get injured at work, you need to file for compensation from your employer.
But before that, you should seek medical attention from your doctor for treatment and obtain medical receipts, which play a crucial role in your claim’s success. However, you may face roadblocks from your employer that obstruct you from getting your compensation rights. Here is what to do.
Seek Medical Help
As much as you can, get first aid from your colleagues. When injured at work, you should seek medical attention within the shortest time possible. Do not overlook the level of injury. Seek medical help even if the injury looks minor. It will protect your health and also validate your claim.
When you provide a medical history of your inquiry, the workers’ compensation board will hold your employer responsible for the injury. If not, you will be fighting a losing battle.
If your employer does not want you to use your employment coverage or employer’s doctor, you should seek alternative medication. Ensure you obtain documentation of all the treatment you received and the money you spent.
Report the Injury
Once you receive medical attention, ensure you report the injury to the state board of workers’ compensation immediately. Sometimes, your employer may try to block you from reporting the case. In this case, you should by-pass your employer and file the claim to the state board without hesitation.
Ensure you file the lawsuit well before the window period elapses. Once you report the injuries, your employer will go ahead and file a compensation claim for you. It is worth noting that this can be a long and complicated process if you choose to pursue it without an attorney.
Find Help from a Lawyer
The process can get more complicated from the time of filing and reporting the case to the end. You may not be able to handle it alone, especially when you lack legal experience in the field.
Even if you choose to do it alone, you stand fewer chances of winning the case. In this case, you can consider working with a personal injury lawyer who can guide you through the process and do everything possible to pursue against the company and help you win the case.
An experienced attorney understands all the nitty-gritty when dealing with workers’ compensation and will play a crucial role in your case’s success.
If you get injured at work or if it happens to your colleague, take the appropriate measures to ensure that you stand a high chance of winning the case. If your employer blocks you from accessing your right, be sure the company will be held responsible, especially when working with a skilled lawyer.
Author information: Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer based out of Boston, MA. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2.
