Being involved in an accident in your workplace can be a traumatizing experience. You may be concerned about your ability to work in the future, in addition to being worried about your health. You might even want to take legal action. You should take a few steps to ensure that you are taken care of both physically and financially if you are injured when working.
Seek Medical Attention
Following a workplace incident, you should prioritize your health before doing anything else. You can seek medical attention by going to an emergency room if your injury is life-threatening or your primary care physician if the injury is not life-threatening. Ensure you tell the medical professionals that the injury occurred at work. Doing that will ensure that your injury is documented correctly and that you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Notify Your Employer
Contact your employer immediately after visiting a doctor and being pronounced stable to leave the hospital. Explain the incident within 30 days of sustaining the injury to ensure that you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Furthermore, in cases of occupational sicknesses, you are required to report within two years after being diagnosed. You may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if you cannot work. Workers’ compensation benefits can provide financial assistance while recovering from your injuries and returning to your job. To find out if you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, contact your employer or a workers’ compensation insurance company.
Gather Evidence
Ensure you gather evidence and document everything once you are injured at work. You might want to take pictures of the injury, the accident scene, and any damage to property. You will also need to get the contact information of any witnesses. That is because your attorney may need to contact witnesses to be able to build a lawsuit. Additionally, get a copy of the accident report from your employer. If you cannot get a copy of the accident report, make sure you get the names of all the people involved in the accident. You will need to document your injuries and how they have affected you. List any medications you are taking, and describe the effects they have on your health. All that information will prove helpful in the event of a workers’ compensation case.
Get an Insurance Quote
After sustaining an injury at work, another step you should take is to get a workers’ compensation insurance quote. It will help you determine the extent of your coverage and what benefits you are entitled to. The process of getting a quote will vary depending on the insurer, but you will need to provide basic information about yourself and your injury. Once you have received your quote, you can then begin the process of filing a claim. Understanding the benefits and limitations of your policy before filing a claim is essential, so ensure you speak with an insurance representative about your specific situation. While getting a workers’ compensation insurance quote may seem complicated at first, it is essential to ensure that you are fully protected while recovering from an injury.
File a Claim
When filing a claim, you will be required to provide medical documentation of your injury and may be asked to participate in a medical examination. Once your claim is approved, you will be paid benefits for your injury. If you have lost wages as a result of your injury, you may be able to receive compensation for that as well. However, to determine whether you are eligible for benefits, speak with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. Workers’ compensation is a complex process, and it is best to consult with an attorney before filing a claim. It is important to remember that filing a claim does not mean that you are automatically entitled to benefits.
Following these steps will help you to take care of yourself while recovering from an injury at work and maximize your chances of a successful outcome. If you are unsure of what to do after sustaining an injury at work, talk to an attorney; they can give you further advice on what steps to take. Ensure that you are first safe before proceeding to seek compensation for your injuries.
Author information: Maggie Bloom graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in communication and writing. In her spare time, she loves to dance, read, and bake. She also enjoys traveling and scouting out new brunch locations.
