If you’re injured at work, then you’re not alone. In fact, a worker is injured on the job every seven seconds. That adds up to more than 4.6 million on the job injuries each year and 104 million production days lost annually.
If you suffer a workplace injury, the aftermath can be confusing and overwhelming. You may be eligible for medical and wage benefits through workers’ comp insurance. Here’s what you should do.
1. Get Medical Treatment for On the Job Injuries
The first thing to do if you’re injured at work is to receive prompt medical treatment. You’ll want to prioritize your health and make sure you’re taken care of. Remember, too, to follow your doctor’s instructions to ensure you make a full recovery.
Not all doctors take workers’ comp cases, so you’ll want to see a workers comp doctor. Along with evaluating and documenting your injuries, this doctor can discover how the workplace injury occurred and decide if you should take time off.
This information will be key in your workers’ comp case, as it can help determine whether you’ll receive benefits.
Sometimes your employer or insurance carrier will have the power to choose which doctor you see for a workers’ comp case. Other times, you as the injured worker will have that choice. Be sure to check your state’s laws so you know which steps to follow.
2. Report Your Workplace Injury
The most common on the job injuries include sprains, tears, and strains, as well as soreness and cuts, lacerations, and punctures.
No matter the type of injury, report it to your supervisor or human resources as soon as possible. A written report of the incident — including injuries suffered and the timeframe of when it occurred — is typically the best way to do this.
If you fail to report that you’ve been hurt at work within a certain timeframe, it can affect your ability to receive workers’ comp benefits.
Even if an injury seems minor, it can still be a good idea to report it immediately in case it becomes more serious. It can also help your employer address any safety issues in the workplace.
3. File a Claim
When you report on the job injuries to your employer, they should provide you with the necessary forms to file a workers’ compensation claim.
You’ll want to include as much information as possible in your claim, from details on how the workplace injury occurred to relevant medical records. This can be used to support and verify your claim.
If you need help, there are workers’ comp attorneys who specialize in these types of cases.
Hurt at Work? Now You Know What to Do
If you become one of the millions of people who deal with on the job injuries each year, then don’t panic. Follow these steps, from reporting your injury to finding a doctor, and ensure you receive any benefits you’re eligible for.
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