6 Tips to Remember if You’re Injured at Work

Were you hurt on the job? Then you may be eligible for worker’s compensation to help you recover from your injuries and return to work. 

Keep in mind the guidelines described below about worker’s compensation claims.

Report Your Injury Right Away

You have a better chance of getting a workplace injury covered if you report the incident immediately to your employer. For example, let’s say you injure your back while lifting a box of supplies at work.

If you fail to report the injury for several days, the insurance company is more likely to conclude you weren’t hurt at work. Whether it’s a worker’s comp or motor vehicle collision claim, the insurance company will typically attempt to avoid liability, if at all possible.

You make that easier for them if you drag your feet about reporting the event to your employer. However, if you report the injury on the same day, you’ll probably have an easier time getting the insurance carrier to cover it. 

You Probably Can’t File a Lawsuit

Most states require employers to carry worker’s compensation coverage. One of the benefits of coverage for companies is that workers usually can’t file a personal injury lawsuit if they accept workers’ comp.

You only can file a worker’s compensation claim using your attorney. On the other hand, an employee also doesn’t have to prove that company negligence was responsible for the injuries if he or she takes worker’s compensation.

Workers can receive payment for their workplace injuries even if their own negligence caused the accident. However, in certain special cases, such as if you were exposed to asbestos and suffer from mesothelioma, asbestosis, or another related condition, you might still be able to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Keep a Personal File of the Claim

You shouldn’t rely on your employer to provide records for your workplace injury. You should keep all your medical records and evidence related to your injury, instead.

For example, retain the records of all witnesses who saw the accident take place. In addition, you need to have documentation of everything each witness said, to ensure that testimony is on the record.

When you’re hurt, the last thing you need is for critical evidence that may be central to your claim to disappear.

Explain How You Were Injured

When you report your injury to your employer, make sure you’re as detailed as possible about how you were hurt. For instance, let’s say you were operating a forklift in the warehouse, it tipped over, and you broke your arm. 

You should provide as much detail as possible to your employer about how the accident happened. Remember, you don’t have to be concerned about whether the incident was your fault or not.

The worker’s compensation system exists in part to ensure coverage of any injuries and damages. In return, you aren’t required to prove the accident was your employer’s fault. Even if you caused it, that doesn’t matter. 

Get Medical Treatment the Same Day

You’re more likely to get your claim paid if you obtain medical treatment immediately. In addition, starting a paper trail the same day as your injury means your doctor(s) will connect your injuries to the accident.

There’s no room for doubt about what caused your injuries if you have a doctor’s opinion on record immediately after the incident. 

Get Another Doctor 

In most states, you have to use the insurance company’s doctor for your initial care. But that can pose a conflict of interest: the employer’s doctor is paid by the insurance company and may not put your health first.

For instance, the insurance company physician may minimize your injuries and care so the insurer won’t have to pay as much. So you should consider changing doctors.

But you will need to check whether a waiting period might be required before you may switch. 

Keep these vital tips in mind if you’re hurt at work, to ensure you recover as quickly as possible.