Report your injury as soon as it happens. If you feel you have been injured, don’t wait to see how you’ll feel in a few minutes. Even worse, don’t wait until the next day. If you don’t report your injury the day that it happens, you’re opening the door for your employer to fight your claim.
Your employer’s argument, if you fail to report your injury on the day it happens, is going to be simple. They’ll argue that you could have injured your back somewhere other than work and now you are trying to get your job to pay for your treatment and lost wages.
2. Fill out any paperwork that your employer requires you to fill out per their policy on workplace injuries. Make sure that your employer or you submit your injury report to the industrial commission. Some employers will do this for you while others won’t. Ultimately, it’s your responsibility to ensure that this report is submitted.
3. Make sure that you follow all of the policies and procedures of your employer and complete all paperwork on time. Failing to comply with your employer’s policies could end up causing you trouble when filing your worker’s compensation claim.
4. Seek medical care at the doctor your employer prefers to send you to. You are required to see a company-appointed doctor for your initial diagnosis and injury. But, for any follow-up visits and treatment, you may see a doctor of your choice.
5. Follow your doctor’s instructions. If they tell you that you need to stay home and rest for a few weeks then that’s what you need to do. If your doctor gives you instructions and you fail to follow them, your employer may claim that you have made your injury worse due to your actions.
This can reduce any worker’s compensation settlement that you may be due in the future.