Although there are lots of measures that have been put in place by employers to ensure their employees are safe on the job, accidents still happen.
In addition to physical injuries and mental anguish, injuries on the job can take you out of the workforce or force you to take a different kind of job.
There are several things that you should do after you have been injured on the job and this is what we are going to look at in this article:
Report It
The first thing you should do when injured on the job is to report it. Remember that your injury may be covered by insurance or worker’s compensation but you may not be able to claim either if you do not report your injuries right away.
When notifying your employee about the injury, make sure that the written report is as detailed as possible. You do not want to leave any leeway for your employer or insurance provider to void your claim.
See a Doctor
Once you have reported your injuries to your employer, it is time to see a doctor. As with your employer, it is important to tell your doctor that your injuries occurred at work.
This way, they will note it in your medical records and you can use this fact if you decide to claim compensation.
Also, ensure that the doctor notes down all services they offer you meticulously. Doing this makes things easier when making an insurance or worker’s compensation claim.
These records will also come in handy if you decide to seek compensation.
Talk To a Lawyer
If the injury is not your fault, you may qualify for some compensation, especially if the injuries take you out of the workforce or lead to disability.
A good lawyer will show you where to start when injured on the job to make sure you get the compensation that is owed to you.
When talking to the lawyer, it is also a good idea to ask them about the types of records you should keep, especially if you want to be reimbursed for travel or out-of-pocket medical expenses. They will also provide you with the forms you need to make these claims.
Keep a Record of Everything
The most important records to keep include the number of days you have been out of work as well as all expenses you have incurred when seeking treatment.
Remember that you may be entitled to worker’s compensation if you have been out of work for more than 7 days.
Also, your employer may be liable for all expenses you have incurred traveling and receiving medical attention. If you do not know how to claim these expenses, do talk to a lawyer and they will be able to help you.
Takeaway
When you are injured on the job, the most important things to do include ensuring you notify your employer about the injuries and keep meticulous records of everything.
These reports and records can make it easier to make your case in case you need compensation or reimbursement.