Injuries suffered at the workplace can be very stressful, more so if they keep you from making a living. Unfortunately, workplace injuries are far more common than you would think. Usually, people relate workplace injuries with jobs related to physical work involving heavy machinery. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Even those working at desk jobs can suffer injuries in the workplace. The good news is that the worker’s compensation program covers all injuries suffered on the job.
Injured at Work – What Should I do?
If you are injured on the job, there are a few steps that you need to take to ensure the best treatment for your injury and get the appropriate compensation for it. While you may know your job very well and also how to solve problems related to it; most people are unsure what to do or say if they suffer a workplace injury and the compensation that they are entitled to. Legal experts from LouthianLaw.com says that a work injury attorney knows all the steps to take to ensure you can get the best payment possible. Apart from reporting to your superiors about the injury, you also need to seek medical advice and treatment and contact a personal injury lawyer.
Report the Injury
The first action to take when injured is to report the injury to your superiors. Provide all details to let them know when, how and where the injury took place. While it is easy to do so for a specific injury, it may be more difficult to explain if the injury is caused due to forceful and repetitive actions. However, you need to remember to report the injury on the same day if possible. Late reporting may make your claim doubtful to the employer. Consult a lawyer as soon as possible and relate the accident and all relevant details for him/her to guide you.
Medical Care and Treatment
Do not delay in getting medical care and treatment for your injury. A delay might result in poor recovery along with your employer and insurance company questioning your claim. Recount the incident to the medical practitioner exactly as it happened and in the same details that you provided to your superiors. Your employer or insurance company may and probably will check with the doctor before entertaining your claims.
Follow the advice given by the medical practitioner to the hilt. While this will help your recovery from the injury, it will also help your case with regards to your compensation claim. Remember to take a note from the medical practitioner about your injury, treatment and work restrictions, if any. Submit a copy of the note to the insurance company, your employer, and your lawyer. This is the written proof of your injury and the basis for your claim.
A Word of Caution
Do not talk/write about your case either with your co-workers or on social media. This would only hurt your case. Insurance companies keep an eye on the claimant to prove that the claim is false. If you have been advised to rest, make sure that you are resting and not working around the house. Such small transgressions could damage your claim for good.