After being injured at work there are several things you should do to ensure that you are protecting yourself.  Worker’s compensation claims often require that a number of things be done and documented in order to approve payments.  Many people believe that visiting a doctor and getting documentation of the doctor’s diagnosis is all they need to do after being injured at work.  However, there are several other things that should be on your to-do list after a work accident.

Here are 3 things you need to do immediately after being injured at work.

1. Tell Your Employer – Regardless of the severity of the injury, you should tell your employer as soon as possible if you’ve been injured at work. Worker’s Compensation law requires you to give notice of your injury within 30 days of the incident or within 30 days of learning you were injured at work (this applies to occupational disease).  In some cases, when you are injured at work it may not appear serious at first and over time the condition worsens.

   Notifying your employer of the injury as soon as possible will not only ensure you are compliant with Worker’s Compensation law but it will also protect you in the event your injury worsens over time.  If you do not provide notice of being injured at work within the set time frame, it could disqualify you from receiving benefits.

2. Contact a Worker’s Compensation Attorney – When you’re injured at work, regardless of the severity of the injury, the next thing you should do is contact an attorney that specializes in Worker’s Compensation Law. Doing this will ensure you are awarded the benefits you deserve if it is determined that you are eligible for a worker’s comp award.  Consulting with a Worker’s Comp lawyer as soon as you are injured at work can also help prevent you from making mistakes that cost you the benefits you deserve.  Having a worker’s comp attorney on your team will ensure you are following the proper procedures and submitting all the information necessary to support your claim.

3. File a Claim with the Worker’s Compensation Board – Once you consult with a worker’s comp attorney, you also need to file a claim with the Worker’s Compensation Board. You must do this within two years of being injured at work but it is best to file as soon as an injury occurs and after you’ve talked with an experienced worker’s comp attorney.  If you don’t file your claim within the time the law requests, it could also lead to your claim being denied.

If you have been injured at work and think you may have a worker’s comp case on your hands, the best thing to do is let your employer know and contact an experienced worker’s compensation attorney.  We are happy to offer free consultations in times like this when you aren’t sure if you have a case or what you should do next.  We can help you navigate the process and receive the benefits you deserve so please contact us for a consultation.