What Steps Should You Take After You Are Injured On the Job?

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At Klezmer Maudlin PC, one of the types of legal services we provide is helping with workers’ compensation claims. If you are injured on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits help to pay for medical costs and lost wages for those who are injured while performing their job duties. The steps you take immediately after an accident happens can play an important role in your claim being approved and the benefits you receive down the road. Here are some of the steps you should take immediately after being hurt on the job.

Photograph the Accident Scene

After an accident has occurred, one of the first things that you should do is photograph the incident. You can use your phone to take pictures or videos of the scene. You want to ensure you document anything that may have led to the accident. The scene will be cleaned up and things can move, so you want to try to document exactly how it was when your accident happened. If you are to photograph or film the area, consider asking a trusted co-worker to step in and complete this task for you.

Notify Your Supervisor or Human Resources Department

Once you have documented what the scene looked like when you were hurt, you will want to notify your higher-ups that you were injured on the job. Most offices have a professional that is in charge of workers’ compensation claims. This may be your supervisor, a manager, or a human resources professional. Find out who you are supposed to report the injuries to and then notify that person. You should be given a claim form to fill out. You should be given a copy of the claim form once it has been filled out. If you do not receive a copy, take a picture with your phone so you have a copy of exactly what you wrote.

Seek Medical Treatment

It is important to seek medical treatment after being injured on the job. Depending on where you live, your employer may be able to direct medical treatment for a brief period of time. This means that they may have a clinic or a doctor that they refer you to for workplace injuries. If they direct medical treatment, you do need to treat with their doctor in order for your medical expenses to be covered. Always be sure to document any aches, pains, or visible injuries you have after a workplace accident.

Consult With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Lastly, if you have sustained severe injuries, if your employer is refusing to provide you with their workers’ compensation insurance provider, or if you have had a workers’ compensation claim denied, you should consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer. They can help you determine if you have a case you can win and how to proceed with your case. Most lawyers offer a free consultation and work on a contingency basis, so it should not cost you anything to speak to a lawyer and find out what your rights are.

If you have been injured on the job, there are some important steps that you need to take after the accident has happened. You want to photograph the accident scene, notify your employer, obtain medical treatment and speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer to ensure your claim is filed. If your employer is not providing you with the compensation you are legally entitled to, or you want to find out if you have a compensable workers’ compensation case, reach out to Klezmer Maudlin PC to learn more.