Help! I’ve Been Injured on the Job – What Should I Do?

Injuries on the job can happen regardless of where you work, but they are more common in some industries than others. Unless you have already been unfortunate enough to deal with a workplace injury, you might have no idea what to do when one occurs. The best thing you can do if you are injured on the job is to take immediate action, even as you nurse yourself back to health.

In many cases, you will be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. This is money that is paid to you to compensate for the damage done from your injuries. Additionally, you might be eligible for lost wages if you are unable to perform your work duties because of your injuries.

Workers’ compensation applies to multiple elements related to your workplace injury including occupational injuries, physical injuries, and the psychological and emotional damage that might come from the injuries. Counseling is often needed to deal with the long-term effects of a serious injury.

For a list of the most common workplace injuries in America, check out this article from BusinessInsider.com.

What Steps Should You Take If You are Injured on the Job?

First, if possible and safe, report your injury to your employer immediately. If you are unable to do so immediately because you are seeking medical attention, alert your employer as soon as you can. This covers you legally and ensures your employer is aware of the incident.

Once the injury is reported, you must file a workers compensation claim. The claim allows your employer, your employer’s insurer, and the state to be aware of the details of the injury. You might be tempted not to file a claim if your injury does not seem serious. This is almost always a mistake. It is better to have filed the claim than not, especially if injuries were not immediately apparent and you later need to seek medical attention. In order to be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries you must file a claim.

It is also better to take action and file your claim sooner than later because witness statements might be needed. The co-workers who saw your injury will better recall the details immediately after the incident than if they are asked to do so weeks or months later.

Find an Experienced Attorney

Working with an attorney who understands workers compensation and employment laws related to injuries on the job is essential. Not only can he or she help you make important decisions, it also means you will have someone doing the “leg work” while you recover. Your attorney’s number one goal is to protect your rights and ensure someone is fighting for you, something your employer and the insurance companies have and you deserve as well.

If you have been injured on the job or you have questions about workplace injuries, contact Borrelli & Associates, P.L.L.C. to schedule a consultation.