If you’re like most people, you don’t like to make a big fuss when you get injured at work. Your first impulse may be to brush it off and play the stoic. Unfortunately, injuries that you thought were minor at first often turn out to be more serious. That’s why it’s important you follow proper procedures regarding any injury you receive at your workplace. There are certain steps you need to take to protect yourself.
Firstly and most importantly, seek medical treatment from the closest hospital. This is not the time to play hero. Ask for an ambulance if you are hurting. Make sure you tell the hospital personnel that you were injured at work. This is often required to establish that the injury was work related.
Make sure the accident is reported to your employer as soon as possible. Make note of any witnesses. If possible, get a copy of your employer’s accident report to keep for your own records.
Follow up with your employer to make sure a workers’ compensation claim was filed with the insurance company. If your employer resists, ask for the name and phone number of the company that carries your employer’s workmen’s compensation insurance. Although not advisable, you can file the claim yourself. You must file a workmen’s compensation claim within two years of the date of the injury.
When you file a workmen’s’ compensation claim, you are dealing with both the Workmen’s Compensation Board and your company’s insurance carrier. These are two entirely separate entities. The insurance company may deny some or all of your benefits or refuse to pay for certain medications, treatments or surgeries your doctor recommends. You have the right to challenge their decisions with the Workmen’s Compensation Board. It is the Board that acts like a court and makes the final determination about what benefits you will receive.
You don’t have to battle your employers’ insurance carrier by yourself. When a workplace injury occurs, ask for the help of an experienced attorney who specializes in workmen’s compensation claims and can guide you through the process. The attorney will have your best interests at heart and fight to get you the lost wages and medical treatment you are entitled to.
When you’re injured at your place of employment, times can get tough, especially if you’re unable to work. You are suffering and your family is doing without. Don’t let an insurance company deny what you are rightfully entitled to. Put a knowledgeable workmen’s compensation lawyer on your team.