What To Do After You’ve Been Hurt at Work
Regardless of how you were injured, if you’ve been hurt at work, you should file a claim for workers’ compensation to cover your resulting medical expenses and lost income. Taking some simple steps as soon as possible can dramatically improve your chances of getting the best outcome from your workplace injury.
Here’s what to do after you’ve been hurt at work:
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As soon as possible, report the work-related injury to your employer.
Report the work-related injury, even if you don’t think the injury will be long lasting, or you’re afraid or ashamed to do so. The report of injury to your employer should list all the injuries you suffered as well as the exact date, time, and place you sustained those injuries.Note: be sure to fill out the paperwork that your employer requires in making a workers’ compensation claim. Completing the paperwork can be complicated and time-consuming, but remember that incomplete paperwork will lead to a denied claim. Often the details you provide in the initial paperwork are the key to whether your case is accepted or denied. If you need help filing the paperwork, please call and speak to an attorney at the Deuterman Law Group.
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After reporting the injury, seek medical treatment.
Time is of the essence, because serious injuries have been known to get worse without medical treatment, making the injury even more expensive in the long run. Let your doctor know your injury happened at work.
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Make sure your employer has contacted their insurance company to report your workers’ compensation claim.
You may need to file the claim yourself if your employer doesn’t file the claim. While covering your medical bills is extremely important, you may also be entitled to lost wages and disability benefits depending on your injuries. If you’re not sure to what benefits you are entitled, contact a board certified workers’ compensation attorney at the Deuterman Law Group who can explain your rights.
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Communicate with your employer, insurance adjuster, possibly your medical case manager, and others involved in the case.
An experienced board certified attorney can help you make sure that your interests are well represented in the course of your interactions with these parties and can often handle much of the burden for you.
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If you’re denied workers’ compensation benefits, call an attorney at the Deuterman Law Group who can help you file an appeal.
A skilled attorney can be extremely helpful when it comes to properly filing your workers’ compensation claim or filing an appeal. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of our legal expertise. Contacting the Deuterman Law Group should be one of the first things you do when you’ve been hurt at work.
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