It is difficult to meet financial responsibilities or handle medical needs after suffering an injury while on the job. Countless employees are injured and don’t truly understand their worker’s compensation rights or make costly mistakes while going through the process. If you have been injured at work, the tips below could help with obtaining your short-term or long-term benefits.
Report the Injury Immediately
If you fall at work, deal with repetitive motion injuries, falling objects, machine-related incidents, and more, it is vital to report these issues to your supervisor immediately. Be sure the report is filed, so if physical and mental problems arise now or in the future due to the work-related injury, you have a record stating how the accident occurred. Failing to report the incident promptly could cause your workers’ compensation claim to be denied in the future.
Get Medical Treatment
Regardless if you choose to go to the emergency room or schedule an appointment with your family physician, you must visit a doctor and have testing completed after being harmed. The documentation will be necessary to show that the accident led to problems, whether they are minor or major. Regardless, a physician can help you understand what type of work you can do while healing and decide what treatment and other medical options are necessary for you to recover properly.
Speak with Professionals
If you have issues standing for long periods, but your daily operations require that type of work, it would be best to speak with professionals to determine your rights while returning to your job. In some instances, you can continue working for the same company without taking on roles that cause more physical and mental issues while you go through recovery. Before returning to work, ask your employer to describe available job opportunities and allow your doctor to determine if you can perform any of the jobs while rehabilitating. Wage loss vocal assessment could help you return to suitable work based on your physical and psychological conditions.
Continue with the Process
If an insurance company denies your workers’ compensation claim, that is not the final decision. You can take the case to court and have a judge decide if you are entitled to the benefits or not. Although a judge approving your case is not a guarantee, it is best to try instead of giving up. All aspects of treatment and testing may not be denied, meaning you could receive medical expense coverage or reduced and limited financial compensation for work missed. Regardless, it is best to continue and go before a judge without giving up and getting discouraged.
It would help to learn about workers’ compensation, including available benefits and how they impact you. Use the tips above and follow through to ensure you maintain your rights and available options.
This article is from Brooke Chaplan, a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.
