After you have injured yourself at work, one of the first things you should do is report your injury to your employer. Your employer is supposed to guide you on what to do next. However, this can be very complicated because your injury might have developed over time. However, a workers' compensation lawyer can assist you in effectively reporting your injury.
Your Injury Report
If you suffered a sudden traumatic injury at work, you will want to do everything you can to record the injury. Write down everything that occurred and take photographs of the surrounding area and of your injuries.
Do not wait too long to report your injuries because evidence might be lost as a result and your case will seem more suspicious. Also, most states have a strict deadline for reporting an injury. You may fear losing your job for reporting your injury, but your employer is not allowed to do this.
The Reporting Procedure
Your employer will likely have a procedure you should follow for reporting your injury. For example, your employer might have forms that you are supposed to fill out and specific forms might even be required by your state. Reading the employee handbook before you are injured is a good way to be prepared.
Do not simply make a verbal report. Create a written report that you will give to your employer and keep a copy for yourself. Then your employer will not be able to claim that they were not notified. You may also want your written report to be reviewed by a workers' compensation lawyer.
After Reporting Your Injury
Even if you reported your injury properly, your employer might not report your injury to the insurance provider. This is a violation of state law and your attorney can advise you on the steps you should take in response to this.
You will want to immediately seek medical attention regardless of whether your employer reported your injury. If you receive your workers' compensation benefits, you will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses. Make sure to tell your physician that your injuries are work-related. Your physician may be able to prove that your injuries are workplace-related.
By failing to report your injuries, your employer will have acted in "bad faith" and you will then be entitled to receive damages from your employer for failing to file a workers' compensation claim and interfering with your ability to receive compensation.
For more information, contact a company like Neifert Byrne & Ozga.
