We
don’t live in a perfect world, and there is always a chance of getting injured
at work, even if everything is up to code. Accidents of any kind at work are
serious, and you should be able to get the help you need without a severe
financial burden.

They can happen to any worker. We are going to go over all you need to know if you have been injured on the job, from getting help as soon as something happens to completing all necessary paperwork.

Receive Medical Help
Immediately

No
matter how big or small your injury is, you need to inform someone of what
happened and treat it. Your health is the most important thing. Even if you
don’t think it is that serious, it’s always good to get a medical
professional’s opinion. Minor injuries left untreated can become larger issues,
small cuts and nicks, for example, can become infected.

If
it’s a more serious accident, you need to call an ambulance. A blow to the head
can cause a concussion. If left untreated, you can experience sensitivity to
light, headaches, and trouble sleeping. In more severe cases, you can develop
epilepsy or severe depression. 

Lawyers at Diamond & Diamond stated, “While certain professions, such as construction and manufacturing involving heavy machinery, are more prone to injuries than others, even people who typically work in offices or at a desk can suffer an unforeseen injury while on the job.”

Get a Written Report

To
receive any worker’s
compensation for workplace injuries,
it’s important to report as much as possible. Take photos of where the accident
happened, especially if you were hurt because something was not up to date or
others were not following proper safety protocols.

If
there were any witnesses, you should have them write an official statement
about what happened. Also, report your injury immediately to the supervisor. If
there are cameras in the location, ask your managers for a copy of the tape, as
well. 

You should also keep a record of all reports, tests, and receipts of all medical treatments related to the accident. A paper trail will help you get the worker’s compensation you deserve.

Make a Claim

Once
you have received the immediate medical assistance you need, and you have all
of your documentation ready, you will be able to make a claim. You will need to
connect with your employer’s insurance company.

It’s
important to know your company’s policy and the state laws regarding worker’s compensation. From there, your employer’s insurance should take care
of it and give you the money that was lost because of the accident at work.

If
they are not complying or you are having difficulties receiving money to help
cover your medical expenses and paid medical leave, then you might need to hire
a lawyer and have a worker’s compensation hearing. An experienced lawyer can
help make your case stronger and will know how to litigate your case in court.

The Bottom Line

Work
injuries are unpredictable and can happen anywhere, even in the safest
workspaces. When you have an accident, first get the medical help you need.
After, try to get as much legal documentation about the injury. Then, you can
make a claim to your company’s insurance provider.

Remember,
the most important thing is to take as much time as you need to heal fully.
Your health is the most valuable thing you have, and work should come second.
That is why worker compensation such a valuable employee benefit.