Making a Report of an Injury at Your Workplace

Before filing a worker’s compensation claim and seeking benefits for a work-related accident, it is essential to report an injury to the employer as soon as possible. Be specific when making the report and provide them with a detailed account of the nature of the injury, when it occurred, and the person or persons that are involved (if it is a case of co-worker conduct). After notifying the employer, workers may wish to carry out the following procedures to ensure that their claim is properly handled.

Consult With a Doctor

Schedule an appointment to see a physician or go to the hospital directly after reporting the injury, or sooner if the injury warrants immediate medical attention. Keep any documentation, receipts, and other important information they provide during the consultation, as this may serve as proof of the injury. If paying out-of-pocket, the worker’s comp insurance provider might request that employees submit copies of the receipts prior to reimbursement.

Follow Up With the Employer

Injured workers should hear from their employers or from the worker’s compensation insurance carrier in a timely manner. If an employee does not receive any notifications or updates from either party, they should contact them to verify the progress of their claim. Not following up could result in a delay in worker’s comp benefits, such as lost wages.

Gather the Necessary Information

The employer should make the injured employee aware of every step of the worker’s compensation filing process. They must also provide the worker with any forms and documentation they may require, as well as information about the insurance carrier. This includes their name, contact information, and typical processing times.

Be Aware of Employer Behavioral Changes

Employees should be aware of their employer’s behavior toward them. If they notice that the employer is acting in a way that causes them to be concerned that their job might be at risk, this may be cause to speak with a trained legal professional. In most cases, it is unlawful for an employer to terminate the employment of an injured worker simply for filing a worker’s compensation claim.

Making certain that all of the reporting steps are followed may help employees to expedite their worker’s compensation claims and receive the reward to which they are entitled. Injured workers can also seek the assistance of a qualified work injury attorney if they require additional support.