Injuries suffered in the workplace happen all the time. Oftentimes, many are not prepared and don’t always make the right choices when it comes to filing for workers’ compensation. When someone suffers an injury at work, they need to know what to do.
Always report your job injuries immediately
Many workers’ compensation cases go unreported or take too long to be reported. Your workplace needs to know right away if you suffer any kind of injury, no matter how minor you may think it is. Not reporting your injury within the timeline given can jeopardize your benefits. The sooner you begin the process, the better.
Steps to take in reporting your claim
- Notify your employer or supervisor immediately
- File an accident report
- Figure out if there were witnesses that would’ve seen your injury take place
- Immediately get seen by a doctor
- Inform your doctor about how the injury or illness occurred and list all symptoms
- Listen to your doctor’s instructions, especially restrictions
Make sure to keep all medical receipts and correspondence from your doctor and employer.
Make sure to tell your doctor about all injuries
Report any and all injuries, symptoms, and complaints. Failure to report injuries, and then bringing them up later, will look bad in your case. This can potentially be used against you as worker’s compensation fraud. Always be upfront and clear about anything that you are feeling with your doctor. Your doctor will discuss with you your diagnosis as well as your work status. This will determine whether or not you can return to work while healing. If you are able to return to work, even on light duty, your employer has an obligation to find a position that will suit any restrictions you may have. You are then obligated to take any position offered under workers’ compensation regulations.
Return to work as soon as you are able
Refusing to return to work even though you are able to can be considered a voluntary loss of income. This means that you can lose any future benefits and compensation. Your employer also has the right to terminate you for “refusing to work.” You must make an attempt to perform all of the duties assigned to you. You will be able to file a claim if you are not able to perform your duties. You are also entitled to wage loss benefits if your new position pays less than 80% of your previous income.
Injuries are not covered if negligence is suspected
Instances where an employee’s injuries aren’t covered can include being under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or if horseplay or fighting was involved. Some employers have a policy requiring employees to submit to drug testing.
Get representation as soon as possible
If your employer is understanding of the situation, it’s possible that an attorney might not be needed. However, if at any time you feel like your rights are being jeopardized, contact your attorney right away. Understanding and navigating the law when it comes to complex workers’ compensation cases are far more difficult than it seems. It’s in your best interest to seek an attorney who can best represent you and get the maximum amount of compensation possible. Most law offices, including ours, offer free consultations.
Our attorneys at Friedman Law Offices in Lincoln, Nebraska, are highly experienced when it comes to workers’ compensation cases. If you’ve suffered an injury in your place of work, contact us at 800-876-1093 for a free initial consultation. We work on a contingency basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless you do. This helps relieve the financial stress you may be worried about. Contact us as soon as possible so we can get you the compensation you rightfully deserve.