When it comes to being involved in an accident, everything happens so fast that you might not be sure of what you should do next. However, knowing what to do and when can make all the difference when it is time for you to get financial assistance due to your injury.
If you are ever injured while working, here are some steps that can help you navigate the process.
Report Your Injury Promptly
Of course, you will have to let your employer know that you were involved in an accident and suffered an injury. However, it is a must that you do this as soon as possible as this can have an affect on your claim and hinder you from being properly compensated.
Some states allow you up to 30 days to report an injury, while others require you to notify your employer within just a few days of the accident.
Your Employer Cannot Retaliate
One of the things that some injured workers fear is that they will have their hours cut or even lose their jobs if they file an injury claim. By law, your employer cannot demote you, change your job duties, reduce your pay, or terminate you because you have filed an injury claim.
Worker’s Compensation Varies By State
If you have been talking to someone you know who has also been involved in an accident at work, unless they live in your state, you should take what they say with a grain of salt. The requirements and process to qualify for worker’s compensation are not the same in each state, and they can differ drastically.
Some employers have the right to send an injured worker to a specific doctor for treatment rather than allowing them to choose their own.
Talk With a Professional
If you feel that you are being treated poorly due to you filing an injury claim or just want to be sure that you qualify, it never hurts to speak with a lawyer. Follow this link to learn if you qualify for benefits. A personal injury lawyer will typically give you a free consultation, and let you know if your case can benefit from legal representation. Remember that many businesses will be prepared to defend themselves vigorously and may not choose to settle outside of court” says John McCarthy, from personal injury lawyer specialists McCarthy & Co.
Some of the reasons you might want to consider hiring an attorney are as follows:
- Your employer doesn’t want to pay
- You feel you are being retaliated against
- It is not clear who is at fault
Your Claim Could Be Denied
Worker’s compensation is not always as simple as filing some papers and getting a check. There are a number of reasons why you might file a claim and it gets denied, which can present a new set of challenges for you. You might need to hire an attorney to help you fight your injury claim.
Health Coverage Is Not Worker’s Compensation
Like many employees, you might have a healthcare plan that you have purchased through your employer. However, worker’s compensation is insurance that is paid by your employer, and you would use it for your bills instead of your regular health insurance in the case of a workplace accident. The purpose of worker’s compensation insurance is to help cover your wages and bills should you be hurt on the job.
When it comes to being hurt on the job, if you don’t do anything else, the first thing you must do is report the accident as soon as you can. This is the main component when it comes to activating your injury claim process and should be done swiftly.
Just as you should notify your employer as soon as possible, you should also have the same urgency when it comes to being seen by a medical professional. With injuries, sometimes you might not feel the immediate effects, but a doctor will be able to run tests and document your visit, which can help your case later on.
