Getting injured is never fun, and when it happens at work, it can become a huge hassle. Not only do you rack up medical expenses, but you may miss work. If you would like to learn more, keep reading to see what steps you should take after an accident at work.
Tell Your Employer
If possible, tell your employer about the accident immediately after it happens. Naturally, in some cases, you may have to wait. For example, if you are so injured you have to be taken to the ER, you are probably more concerned with your life than telling your boss about the injury. In this case, you still want to report the accident as soon as possible.
If you wait to tell your employer, it can negatively impact your workers' compensation case. Sadly, some employees avoid reporting minor accidents out of fear of retaliation. However, retaliation is illegal, and your employer has a responsibility to give you time for treatment after the accident.
Mitigate Your Injuries
Just like you have a duty to report the injury, you have a duty to mitigate your injuries. Mitigating your injuries refers to actions that help reduce the impact of your injuries, including the cost. Mitigating injuries starts before you get injured.
In general, you should exercise care and caution, use safety precautions, and obey laws that protect you, such as wearing your seatbelt. After an injury, you are also required to seek medical attention and continue seeking treatment until you've minimized the damage.
File a Workers' Compensation Claim
As soon as you've ensured you are safe, start the workers' compensation process. There are both pros and cons to workers' compensation claims, but the leading advantage is that you don't have to prove fault. In most cases, even if you caused the accident, your workers' compensation claim will be approved.
Once approved, you get the money fast. However, you may not get all the money you feel you deserve. Of course, workers' compensation pays for medical bills directly related to the injury. They do not cover ongoing pain and suffering. In addition, workers' compensation reimburses you for some of your lost income related to the accident.
Workers' compensation claims are usually cut and dry, but it may be a good idea to get an attorney in your corner, especially if your employer is fighting the claim. If you need an attorney for workers' compensation, start by reaching out to local attorneys.
Share20 May 2021
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