What should I do if I get injured at work?
By
Legal Advice for Workplace Injuries
If you get injured at work, you should take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention: Your health and well-being are the top priority. If the injury is serious, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If the injury is not an emergency, you should still seek medical attention from a doctor, nurse, or someone designated by your employer.
- Report the injury to your employer: You must inform your employer about the injury as soon as possible. Most states require you to report the injury within a certain timeframe. Failure to report the injury in a timely manner may jeopardize your chances of receiving workers' compensation benefits.
- File a workers' compensation claim: Workers' compensation is a system that provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job. You can file a claim with your employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier to receive benefits such as medical treatment, wage replacement, and rehabilitation. In some states, you may have to file a claim with a state agency.
- Keep records: Keep copies of any paperwork related to the injury, such as medical bills, workers' compensation forms, and correspondence with your employer and insurance carrier. This will help you keep track of your treatment and benefits, and can be useful if you need to appeal a denial of benefits.
Potential limitations or exceptions:
There may be limitations or exceptions to your ability to receive workers' compensation benefits. For example, if you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the injury, you may be denied benefits. If the injury was caused by your own intentional conduct, you may also be denied benefits. Additionally, if your employer did not have workers' compensation insurance or was acting in a grossly negligent manner, you may have the option to sue your employer for damages.
Suggestions for further action:
If you believe that you are not receiving the benefits that you are entitled to, or if your claim is denied, you may want to seek legal advice from a workers' compensation attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the appeals process, negotiate with insurance carriers, and potentially represent you in court.
