The steps you want to take after a workplace injury are:
Seek medical attention: Of course, you want to take care of your health first. Even if you think you weren’t hurt that badly, it’s important to see your doctor anyway. The rush of adrenaline can mask the seriousness of your injury, or you may suffer a back or neck injury that gets worse over time. You need your medical records to support your workers’ compensation claim, so always see a doctor as soon as possible.
Report the injury to your employer: Let your immediate supervisor and/or your company’s human resources department know about the injury right away. You can tell them in person, call them, or contact them on the way to see your doctor. Follow-up by informing them in writing of the incident. Include details of what happened, how it happened, and how you were injured. Do this within the first few days of your injury. If you wait too long, you may have trouble with your claim.
Call your workplace injury lawyer. You can file your workers’ compensation claim by yourself. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means you don’t have to prove that your employer did anything wrong to receive benefits. But compensation benefits are limited in scope and sometimes are not sufficient to cover a complete recovery, particularly in cases of severe injuries. The workers’ compensation insurance company has attorneys on its side, so you are best positioned to get all the benefits you deserve by having an attorney on your side, as well.
Follow up on the claim: In most cases, your employer will file your claim to the workers’ compensation insurance after you inform the appropriate party of your injury, but not always. You have a limited amount of time to file the claim or you could be barred from doing so. Follow up with your employer to be sure the claim was filed. Ask to see a copy of it.
Follow your doctor’s instructions: Make sure you go to all your doctor and therapy appointments, that you take your medications as instructed, and that you follow all of your doctor’s recommendations when it comes to your recovery. Failing to do so can give the insurance company reason to reduce your benefits.