Workplace injuries are all too common. Regardless of the cause, injured employees are usually eligible for workers compensation. When a worker suffers an accident or injury in the workplace, it’s important for the worker to know how to deal with the situation and protect his or her rights to workers compensation benefits. According to attorneys in Work Injury Law in Glendale AZ, an employee should take the following steps after an accident.
Step 1: Evaluate the injury. Unfortunately, many workers feel pressure to get back to the job, and they minimize their symptoms. They may not want to be the center of attention or be responsible for slowing down the work. However, many minor injuries can become more serious if they’re not treated right away. Cuts can become infected, for example, and small fractures can be worsened with pressure. The most common workplace injuries involve strains, sprains, and fractures.
Step 2: Report the injury. It’s important to do this as soon as possible after the injury because, otherwise, workers comp insurance companies are likely to deny the claim. Once a supervisor is notified, he or she will file the formal accident report. Even if the worker is not seriously injured, it’s a good idea to report the accident so the employer can take measures to prevent further accidents-;and injuries-;from occurring.
Step 3: See a doctor. It’s important for an injured worker to describe the accident and injury symptoms accurately and in detail. The worker’s medical records need to match the accident report. The injured worker should then follow the doctor’s advice to the letter, particularly regarding when he or she should return to work.
Step 4: Stay in touch with the employer. An injured employee should let the employer know when to expect him or her to return to work. While the company may not be legally obligated to hold the worker’s job open, it is more likely to do so if the worker stays in contact regarding his or her recovery.
Step 5: Hire an attorney. Often an insurance company will attempt to deny or decrease the amount of a workers compensation claim. The employee will need to hire an attorney to fight the insurance company, get the medical benefits he or she deserves, and recover lost wages if necessary.
For more information regarding Work Injury Law in Glendale AZ, contact Garrison Law Firm.
