An injury at work can drastically alter your daily life. Suddenly, you may feel unable to perform your tasks or do so only in significant pain—a dangerous scenario. Their income disappears, while medical and hospital expenses rise, threatening to devour funds set aside for essential living costs, such as housing loans and food.
You might hold on to the hope that workers’ compensation will provide you with some relief. However, in several high-risk sectors (such as construction or the oil and gas industry), these benefits can be difficult to achieve.
When awarded, compensation is often insufficient to cover their needs. It is essential to understand the steps to take if you suffer a workplace injury, ideally before the incident occurs.
Seek medical help immediately after an accident
Companies should formulate clear instructions for employees on the actions to take if they are injured at work. These instructions should align with regulatory standards, ensuring that employees can safely report any incidents or injuries without fear of backlash or discrimination, even though they may differ from the exact requirements of these standards.
Companies typically require that any accident or injury be reported to a direct supervisor within a set period. Employers are responsible for reporting significant incidents to regulatory agencies, potentially within a very short period of time, such as eight hours after the incident.
Additionally, companies often outline specific procedures regarding the healthcare services that an injured employee must access. Depending on company policy, the decision about where to seek medical care may rest with your supervisor, who may refer you to an in-house medical provider, a company-approved in-network facility, or even the nearest emergency room. , depending on the situation. situation.
After treatment, make sure you have access to resources for injured workers such as convenient and safe delivery of medications to your home. This will facilitate the post-injury recovery process, allowing you to focus on getting better instead of worrying about medication refills.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Rebuilding your life and career after a work injury can be complex. The task of gathering necessary documents, staying informed about decisions made by corporations and insurance companies on your behalf, worrying about job security while focusing on recovery, and managing daily responsibilities can be overwhelming.
The reality of deadlines, corporate regulations, and extensive paperwork cannot be ignored, as overlooking a minor detail or making an uninformed mistake can significantly affect the outcome. A lawyer with experience in workers compensation recognizes the importance of your case and knows exactly what is needed to ensure you receive appropriate care.
Inform your supervisor as soon as possible
After you have received initial first aid, your immediate next step should be to alert your supervisor of your injury. Describe the incident and attempt to chronicle the events that precipitated the injury.
If a colleague was present and witnessed the incident, ask if they are willing to document their observations. These documented accounts can then be added to your personal file.
Your supervisor may refer you to a healthcare professional for additional medical care after being informed of the incident. They will likely urge you to seek this care as soon as possible, which could expedite the processing of your claim and allow you quicker access to the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Remember, some injuries don’t show symptoms right away and that is completely normal. As soon as you recognize an injury caused by the accident that requires medical attention, inform your employer. Remember, you have up to 30 days from when you become aware of the injury to report it to your employer and be considered for workers’ compensation benefits.
Record accident scene details
Acquiring evidence at the accident scene is essential to support potential compensation claims. It is important to take photographs of the scene, noting any unsafe elements or dangers that could have been a factor in the event.
Collect contact information for people who witnessed the accident and, if possible, get their statements in writing. The more detailed the documentation collected, the stronger your argument will be when seeking reimbursement for injuries sustained.
Visit your primary care doctor
If you are dissatisfied with the quality of care or evaluation provided by the doctor suggested by your employer’s insurance, there is no need to panic. Immediately schedule a visit with a doctor of your choice.
During your consultation, explain the situation and communicate any persistent discomfort or problems resulting from your work injury. If your doctor concludes that your condition is more serious than initially assessed, inform your employer immediately.
Furthermore, it is essential to strictly adhere to all prescribed recovery plans and advice. Avoid rushing your recovery process, even if you feel improvement sooner than expected. Expediting could potentially complicate your workers’ compensation claim in the future.
Final note
It is essential to take appropriate measures to prevent and properly manage workplace injuries, as they can be serious. Seeking compensation is one option, along with efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future. By maintaining awareness and following safety protocols, we can help maintain a safe work environment for everyone.
