Most people want to do their jobs well and get paid for their efforts. That is what happens most days on the job. However, some people end up hurt at work. Issues ranging from machinery malfunctions to timing errors can leave workers with broken bones, serious lacerations and other injuries. They may require time away from the job to heal. They may also need medical treatment. Most of the time, workers’ compensation can help employees cover their lost wages and treatment expenses after a job injury.
What steps do employees usually need to take after getting hurt while on the clock in order to preserve their health and right to compensation?
Report the matter to the employer
Notifying a supervisor about an incident is an important step to take after getting hurt on the job. Ideally, workers speak up right away. That way, they can leave to seek medical care and have a clear internal record of the incident that led to their injury. The sooner someone reports an injury, the easier it is for them to preserve key details before their memory fades.
Undergo medical evaluation
Seeing a doctor as soon as possible is usually the best option for an injured employee. Some employers may even have medical staff on-site to provide first aid because of a high-risk work environment. Many times, employees have to leave to see a doctor. They may require emergency services or might need to make an appointment with their primary care physician. A doctor can diagnose the injury and recommend appropriate treatment. In cases where a worker’s job responsibilities might worsen their injuries, a medical professional can also provide recommendations regarding accommodations and functional limitations.
Initiate a worker’s compensation claim
The good news for injured workers is that they do not need to file a claim instantaneously to be eligible for benefits. Those hurt in a specific incident typically have one year from the date of that incident to initiate a workers’ compensation claim. The benefits they obtain can include disability benefits to replace their wages and medical benefits to cover their treatment expenses. The more severe the injury is, the more difficult it may be to optimize benefits. In some cases, workers may even need to look into third-party liability to fully cover their losses.
Learning more about the state’s workers’ compensation program can help employees determine which benefits they might be eligible for and handle any controversies with their employers. Those dealing with debilitating injuries often have an easier time recovering when someone else handles the nuances of the benefits process on their behalf.