A workplace injury is something to take very seriously, even if you think it’s “not a big deal.” Click to learn what to do after experiencing one.
Did you know that there are over 1 million nonfatal work injuries each year? Unfortunately, even a minor injury at the workplace could put your financial health in jeopardy. The good news is that there are steps you can take if you find yourself in this situation. Let’s take a closer look at how to handle a workplace injury.
Document Every Detail of Your Injury
Make sure to write down the exact date and time of the incident, as well as any details that you can recall. This information will be valuable not only if you decide to pursue legal action, but also for filing a workers’ compensation claim. If you happen to need more information, consider using resources like security cameras to help establish what occurred.
Report Your Injury Immediately
Whether it is to a supervisor, human resources representative, or union representative — be sure to report your injury as soon as possible. In some cases, you may have a very limited window to file an incident report. So, don’t waste any time before you get in touch with the appropriate party.
Seek Medical Attention
If you are injured at work, seek medical treatment immediately and follow your doctor’s instructions. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may need to take time off from work. In some situations, you could have underlying medical publications even if you feel fine. This is particularly true when it comes to head trauma.
Keep All Medical Records
Make sure to keep a record of any documents that your doctor gives you and hold onto them for future reference. This includes bills, invoices, prescriptions, and any other paperwork related to the injury. It’s best to keep digital and physical copies of these records To ensure their safety.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Filing a workers’ compensation claim is the first step in seeking financial assistance for medical bills and lost wages. In order to do so, you must provide the necessary documentation. This includes medical records and incident reports. Workers’ compensation can often mean the difference between whether or not you are able to support yourself before the incident is fully resolved financially.
Get in Touch With a Reputable Attorney
This is by far the most important step. By consulting a lawyer, you can ensure that your rights are fully protected. An experienced attorney will be able to help you through the process and provide advice on how to proceed with your case. You can check out this resource to learn more about Kona attorneys.
Dealing With a Workplace Injury Is Easier Than It Seems
Sometimes, managing a workplace injury can seem overwhelming. The above guidelines will help ensure that you avoid problems you may have otherwise dealt with. Looking for other useful info that can help you out in the future? Be sure to check out the rest of our blog!