4 Steps You Should Take After Being Injured On The Job

On-the-job injuries are more common than most people believe them to be. They can stem from an accident at work, or they could result from long-term exposure to harsh conditions like toxic fumes, hazardous material, and dangerous chemicals. If you’re injured on the job, you’ll need to seek medical care. You’ll also need to file a claim with your employer, and eventually workman’s compensation. In some cases, you might need to show proof that the injuries were indeed caused by conditions at work or the negligence of the employer.

But what if your injury is so severe that you can’t work? What if you’re missing time from work and your employer doesn’t support you. Are you still eligible for workers’ comp and how can you get it? This blog will look at a few steps you should take after being injured on the job; and the kind of help you may need if you’re not getting the support you need from your employer.

1. Seek Treatment for Your Injuries

Getting hurt while on the job is the last thing anyone would want to happen to them or their colleagues. However, it does happen and the best you can do is know how to handle the situation. The legal experts over at https://www.dsslaw.com/workers-compensation-attorney/steps-in-filing-a-new-jersey-workers-compensation-claim/ list seeking medical attention as the first step to take when it happens. If the injury requires urgent medical attention; you don’t even have to wait for your employer’s pre-authorization for which hospital to seek treatment from. If it’s not that bad, it is wise to get preauthorization so your medical bills are footed by workers’ comp insurance. 

2. Let Your Superiors Know About the Injury

The moment you suffer an injury at work, one of your first steps should be to notify your supervisor, immediate boss, or employer about the injury. Of course, each company has a set of procedures on how such matters are reported and escalated. The law gives employees up to 10 days to do so, but reporting the injury right away is highly recommended. Your employer will then take the responsibility and report the matter to the Worker’s Comp Commission or insurance to kickstart your claims process.

3. Consult a Good Workers Comp Attorney

Seeking medical attention and reporting the injury should come first. Your safety is crucial but as you do so, it is best to think about contacting a reputed workplace injury attorney as soon as possible. It is the best way to ensure your rights are protected and that you are fairly compensated for your pain, losses, and damages suffered.

The lawyer will help gather and compile evidence that will help prove your claim for a justified compensation amount. If you have a strong case with solid evidence, a good attorney will help you collect various types of damages in compensation. These may include:

• Medical bills and treatment costs
• Pain and emotional suffering
• Income loss
• And much more

Just make sure to hire a reputable and experienced attorney. They will also help you navigate the various hurdles and complexities associated with worker’s comp claims, avoid denial, and maximize your benefits. They do all the heavy lifting and handle the particulars of your claim as you focus on recovery and getting back to good health.

4. Keep a Journal of Expenses and Missed Days

As mentioned above, you could get several types of benefits after getting injured at work. In most cases, this will depend on the type of injuries sustained at work and their severity. It will also depend on whether there are lasting effects such as disability, which could be temporary or permanent. This means that you may have additional expenses related to the injury apart from medical costs and treatment fees. To maximize the chances of receiving fair compensation, these expenses should be recorded.

If the injuries force you to miss work, this could mean losing part of your wages depending on the contract you have with your employer. The best part – as earlier mentioned – is that lost wages could also be recovered through a workers’ compensation claim. However, you will need to have an account of the days missed from work and prove that your injuries caused your absenteeism. This also means having supporting documents like doctor’s orders, medical records, receipts, scan images, and pretty much anything that could support your claim. Your attorney will advise you accordingly on this front.

Getting injured on the job can hurt physically, emotionally, and financially. While your physical and emotional recovery will largely depend on time and severity; the financial aspect can be addressed through workers’ comp. With the above few steps, you could get the fair compensation you deserve and possibly get back on your feet faster than you thought.

Read Also: Have You Been Injured At Work Recently? Here’s Some Useful Advice