What to Do if You’re Injured at Work: 6 Steps to Ensure Safety and Timely Compensation
Sarah Jacobson 
In 2023, the US Department of Labor reported nearly 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries. Despite using state-of-the-art technological equipment and maintaining safety protocols, reports don’t show a dramatic decrease in work-related accidents and diseases.
Workplace injuries go beyond physical and financial harm. They can cause severe emotional distress, anxiety, decreased productivity, and even fear of re-injury.
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to dealing with a workplace injury, there are several steps you can take to ensure physical and mental well-being and cover any lost wages. Read on to explore six crucial steps in detail!
Seek Medical Attention
The success of your workplace injury compensation claim depends on timely medical intervention. It will not only give you a better chance at full recovery but prevent the insurance company from denying liability. If there are any gaps in treatment, your employer or the insurance company might try to declare your symptoms as non-work related.
Seek immediate medical attention even if the injury seems minor. Inform your colleagues right away and let a medical professional assess your symptoms.
Report the Accident Immediately
Many employees hesitate to report an injury for several reasons. Some worry they might be seen as incompetent, while others consider their injury too minor to be reported. Employees also fear retaliation from their employers. Your fears are valid; however, failure or delay in reporting an injury can lead to negative consequences.
Here are four reasons you should immediately notify your supervisor or a human resources representative:
Legal Compliance
In most US states, employees have up to 30 days to submit a written report of their workplace injury. However, experts recommend giving an oral explanation within 24 hours.
Assistance with Insurance Claims
Many businesses have insurance adjusters on board. They are responsible for reviewing the event with you and settling the compensation claim in favor of the employer. An insurance adjuster might try to prove that the injury didn’t happen at work. When you delay reporting a workplace injury, the insurance company strengthens its case against liability claims.
Medical Care
Your employer can arrange medical services and follow-up care to assist you on your road to full recovery.
Safety Investigation
By reporting a workplace injury to a supervisor, you’re creating a safer environment for your fellow workers.
The employer will investigate the cause of the injury and take preventive steps.
Make Sure There is a Company Accident Report
As per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers are required to report worker fatality within eight hours of the incident. Make sure your employer doesn’t delay filing the incident report. While there is no definitive way to convince your employer, you can take certain steps on your behalf to streamline the process.
Give a detailed description of the incident. Clearly state the work-related task you were performing when the incident occurred.
Describe the nature of the injury and explain what happened to your body and mind. For instance, if you fractured your arm after falling from a height in a warehouse, you should tell your employer in which direction you fell and which body parts hurt the most.
Attach the pictures you or your colleagues took after the incident. If you’ve already sought medical attention, attach your reports, including X-rays or prescriptions.
Once the accident report has been filed, ask your employer to give you a copy. Keep this safe in case there are discrepancies in the future.
Consult with a Work Injury Lawyer
Dealing with workplace injuries can be stressful and deteriorate the quality of life. Having a dedicated work injury attorney can strengthen your argument for workers’ compensation, which will cover missed paychecks, medical bills, and other financial losses.
Here’s why you should consider consulting with a work injury lawyer:
They Have Extensive Experience
Workplace injury lawyers handle such cases daily. They know workers’ compensation law inside and out and can handle any complicated or unexpected situation.
They Can Ensure Correct Filing
Filing for workers’ compensation is not enough. You need to abide by strict rules, such as the timeline and the required documents for successful claims. A competent legal firm, such as Work Injury Advisor, will handle the paperwork and related regulations of civil litigation.
They Will Deal with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies, defendants, and judges are more likely to take your claim seriously when a lawyer is representing you. A workplace injury lawyer will handle all the difficult conversations with insurance companies, helping you get a higher settlement. They will also add credibility and legitimacy to your case.
They Will Ensure Peace of Mind
Illnesses of any kind are emotionally exhaustive. Add the burden of understanding legal jargon and negotiating with insurance companies, and your stress levels will go through the roof. Workplace injury lawyers will take care of complex procedures so you can focus on healing and getting back to work.
A workplace injury lawyer will also gather and document evidence and represent you if your case proceeds to court.
Deal with Medical Bills the Right Way
Workplace injuries, such as slips, falls, back strains, and exposure to hazardous materials, can lead to a hefty medical bill.
The first thing you should do is send the bill to your employer. Then, reach out to the workers’ compensation insurance company and ask about their coverage.
Successful workers’ compensation claim covers a range of injuries, including:
- Bone fractures
- Cuts and lacerations
- Muscle sprains or tears
- Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
- Electrocution
If your employer or the insurance company is delaying bill payments, consider hiring a workplace injury lawyer. They will not only ensure medical coverage but also advocate for physical therapy and rehabilitation services.
Follow Medical Advice
Returning back to work without completing treatment can be fatal. It can make you vulnerable to infections and chronic pain. Follow your doctor’s prescribed treatment plan and adhere to safety guidelines.
Go for regular checkups and monitor your progress to identify setbacks. Medical documentation will also support your claim for workers’ compensation and help you cover financial and emotional losses.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re working in construction, manufacturing, or transportation, the risk of workplace injuries is omnipresent. You are exposed to heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and extensive physical exertion. Knowing what to do after an accident can save you from financial losses and emotional distress.
A workplace injury isn’t the end of your career. Take active steps and seek professional help to resume your work life.
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