According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2.8 out of every 100 employees are hurt on the job. A lot of people think that their work injury isn’t serious enough to warrant a visit to the doctor, but if you’re not sure if it needs an appointment with them, there are some signs that will help. These include pain that doesn’t go away or gets worse after a day or two, being unable to move your arm or leg as you normally would, or feeling nauseous and lightheaded for unexplainable reasons. Let’s look at what to do if you’ve been seriously injured at work in more detail.
Workers compensation insurance
If you’ve been injured at work, the first thing you should do is find out if your employer has workers’ compensation insurance, and if not, how to get it. If your employer does have insurance, call the insurer and follow their instructions. You will need to fill out a claim form and give details of your injury and any other information. If not – contact the Department of Labor and Compensation Division so they can advise you on what to do next.
Consider a specialist lawyer
The next thing you need to know is that the workplace injury law is not black and white. According to legal experts at JJS, there are many factors that can influence what kind of settlement or award you could qualify for. No matter what your injury looks like, it’s vital to consult a personal injury lawyer who specializes in workplace accidents. Do you want to make sure you’re compensated for your injuries? Do you want the chance at a higher settlement? You need an expert who knows how these cases work.
Report your injury as soon as possible
Employees should know that if they are hurt on the job, they should report the accident to a supervisor as soon as possible, in writing if feasible. Some states demand written notice to the employer, while others allow verbal notification. Employees should, however, disclose any on-the-job injuries to supervisory officials in writing to be safe. Because certain jurisdictions have a limited filing date (known as the statute of limitations) you should file as soon as possible. This is to avoid losing any legal claims to workers’ compensation payments from your employer.
What are your rights?
Workers’ compensation rules differ greatly from one state to the next. The rights that an injured employee has can vary a lot, as do the legal procedures that protect those rights. However, there are a few legal rights that are universally recognized in most states, including; you have the option of filing a claim in workers compensation court or the state industrial court for your accident or illness. You also have the right to seek medical advice and treatment from a doctor. And it’s important to remember that if your doctor gives you permission to return to work, you have the right to do so.
We’ve all at least thought about it: what would happen if we were to get seriously injured at work? If we weren’t prepared for such a scenario, the consequences could be financially devastating. Luckily, there are some things you can do to prepare yourself legally when seriously injured at work. First and foremost, it’s important to know that an accident doesn’t need to be catastrophic for you to be entitled to workers compensation. Any injury, even a minor one like a sprain or bruise is eligible. You should always know your rights when it comes to an injury in the workplace and – if in doubt – always get in touch with a lawyer who is a specialist in this area.