If you suffer a workplace injury or illness, your first priority should be getting the medical treatment you need. Whether it's a one-time visit to the emergency room or ongoing treatment with a psychologist for a mental health issue, obtaining appropriate medical care is not only good for your health, it's also good for your workers' comp case. When receiving treatment, be sure to mention to your health care provider that your health issue is work-related so that your medical records accurately reflect the situation. Your medical records can prove to the workers' comp board the source of your injury and the extent of your limitations. If you haven't received any treatment for your medical issue, the workers' comp judge might decide that your injury or illness must not be serious.
Report your injury to your employer as soon as you can—in writing, if possible. State laws limit the amount of time you have to report a workplace injury or illness. In some states you won't be entitled to your full benefits if you wait more than a few days to report your injury, so don't delay.
Complete the workers' compensation claim forms. Your employer should provide you the forms you need to file a workers' comp claim. If not, these can be downloaded from your state workers' comp board's website or completed online. Again, states strictly limit the amount of time employees have to file workers' comp claims, so file your claim as soon as you can. Keep a copy of your claim forms for your own records.
Attend any medical appointments. If there's a dispute about the medical evidence in your case, you might be required to attend a medical evaluation. Be sure to tell the evaluator the source of your injury or illness and describe how it limits you on a day-to-day basis. This medical exam can be crucial to your case, so don't miss it.
Hire a workers' comp attorney. If your claim is denied, contact an experienced workers' comp attorney to represent you. Workers' comp can be a complex area of law with strict deadlines; trying to navigate it by yourself isn't a wise idea