What To Do When You’re Hurt On The Job
Losing your employment as a result of an injury is the sort of situation you may call a nightmare. If you work a job that requires strenuous physical labor, your body is your tool. An injury to your tool could mean a devastating financial hit.
It is important that you fully understand your rights and the necessary steps towards financial support from the second you are injured.
Unfortunately, the steps to reparations are often shrouded in speculation and concern. Arm yourself with knowledge, and make certain that you, and your family, are taken care of if you are ever hurt on the job.
Report the injury
If you are injured on the job, do not wait to report your injury. Reporting that you are injured as soon as possible is the best way to assure that you receive all the support you are due.
Some states have a stipulation that all injuries have to be reported in writing to the supervisor. It is best to report both verbally and in writing to your immediate and main supervisor. You have to be thorough, or it could affect your application for benefits at a later time.
Go to the doctor
It is best to get checked out by a trained physician, no matter the extent of your injury. You don’t want something to arise in a day or two that was never reported or recorded. For the sake of leaving a very visible paper trail, go to the doctor.
The tricky part of going to the doctor is that some situations have stipulations on who you can see for your injuries. You would be best served to educate yourself on your particular situation, and know what doctors (if any) are covered under your employer’s workers’ compensation policy.
File for workers’ compensation
First, understand that filing for workers’ comp is not a lawsuit against your employer. Employers are required by law to be insured for workers’ compensation. The financial supplements you receive are a benefit offered to hard working people like yourself who are hurt on the job.
Also, don’t assume that your injury report constitutes an immediate application for benefits. Your employer is under no legal obligation to send you a check until you fill out an official claim for workmen’s compensation. Don’t skip this step.
Talk to a lawyer
You may need legal representation, depending on the complexity of your case. Either way, it is good to talk to your lawyer about your injury. Your legal aid will make certain that you don’t miss a step in the process of receiving your compensation.
Get back to work
It is important that you get back to work as soon as you are able. Continuing to draw workers’ compensation for longer than you actually need it is a crime, and you could get into a hairy legal situation for not reporting accurately.