Getting injured at work is a very scary situation. Injuries can change the course of your life forever. Some may even lead to lifelong disability. Ultimately, what happened needs to be compensated by your company. But to apply for workers’ compensation, it is essential to prepare. Here are some steps that you should follow to get compensation. Just make sure that you are safe before doing any of these steps.
Report Your Injury
When an injury occurs, report the injury to your employer immediately if it is safe to do so. The risk of not doing so is that your employer can claim that the injury did not happen at work. Keep things by the book. Inform whomever you need to as soon as you can. Informing your employer might help you keep others safe as well. Plus, the longer you wait, the more likely you are to forget important details.
Inform Health Care Provider
Inform your health care provider that the injury you have sustained is related to work to have it noted in your file. After the doctor has made the record, ask for a copy of the medical notes to give to the work-related accident lawyers. Then they can be better able to aid you in getting compensation. Please keep a copy of all records as they can aid in the claim case later.
Give Employer Written Notice
Present your employer with a written notice detailing the injury’s date, what led to the injury, and a description. The notice can be given a few hours after the injury but should be done when it’s physically possible to start the process of workers’ compensation. Please keep a copy of the written notice and demand a reply form from the employer. They are legally required to provide one. If the employer does not do so, call your work-related accident lawyers to help.
Document Everything
Documentation is needed for pre-approval of wages after seven days from the date of injury. Keep a detailed diary of all days missed from work, out-of-pocket expenses, and travel necessary for medical care. This is especially important if you are out of work for more than 21 days.
Get a lawyer to help with the different forms needed, like the expense reimbursement forms, and medical forms, among other bureaucratic things. Be careful of the statements made, as the insurance can legally use recorded statements to deny the claim. Focus on your health and remember every case is different.
Author information: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter: @RachelleWilber
