Workplace accidents can happen in even the most hazard-free jobs. They are often devastating and leave the victim without pay for a considerable period of time, putting them at risk of falling behind on essential bills. There are all sorts of reasons why these accidents happen. Some are a result of mere bad luck while others are caused by industry violations and unsafe work environments.
No matter the reason why a worker gets injured, he or she may be entitled to workers’ compensation. This is a program that allows workers to get compensation for lost wages, medical costs, and sometimes other benefits.
In many states, most employers are required to carry workers’ comp insurance. However, depending on the circumstances, it may be possible for you to bring a personal injury claim rather than a workers’ comp claim.
Here are a few steps to keep in mind if you have been hurt on the job:
Get Medical Treatment
Workplace injuries can be life-threatening. They can happen due to exposure to chemicals, radiation, and dangerous elevations, as well as slippery floors. Falling objects and car accidents are also common causes of workers’ comp claims.
It is important to know the underlying cause of the accident just in case the employer tries to deny liability. Be sure to report the accident as soon as possible and file an incident report. Get the contact details of eyewitnesses and take photos at the scene. If you are unable to complete these tasks, ask someone else to do them for you.
Inform the Manager
The management of the company where the accident took place will play an important role in your claim. If you wait too long to report the injury, you might not be able to obtain benefits. When talking to your manager or the head of the department, make sure to also ask them about your rights and benefits for the accident and report all the details to them. You should also submit a report in writing for your records.
Know Your Rights
Many people don’t know about their rights in the workplace when they are injured. This is why many employees fail to collect fair compensation or anything at all. As a result, they fall into severe and unassailable debt.
Don’t let this happen to you.
Depending on your state, it may be the employer’s duty to file the workers’ comp benefit forms for you after you have been injured. You could then receive compensation for medical care and a portion of your lost income, and potentially other benefits.
File the Claim
If your employer fails to follow through with your claim, you can take action on your own. In this scenario, you should hire a personal injury attorney to help you through the case. A lawyer will know exactly how to build the case and will be able to approximate a fair value for compensation.