subject: Ten Tips to Protect You After a Work Related Injury [print this page] Despite the safety precautions both you and your employer may take, accidents and injuries may still happen. Should you be injured on the job, your actions that follow can prove to have a great effect on your ability to receive any benefits afterward. To help you become better aware of the appropriate steps to take, read the tips below for you to refer should you or a co-worker be injured or become sick due to the workplace.
Ten Tips to Protecting Yourself in the Event of a Job Related Injury or Illness
1. Regardless of the nature or severity of your injury, it is vital that you report the incident to your supervisor immediately. Ask for an "Employee's Claim for Workers' Compensation Benefits".
2. The "Employee" section of the form should be filled as accurately as possible and returned to you supervisor right away in an effort to avoid any type of delay in benefits.
3. It is vital that you obtain a completed claim form for your records. According to current laws, your employer has 24 hours to return the completed form to you. Be sure to make a copy of the form once the "Employer" section has been filled out.
4. Immediately inform your supervisor if you feel you are in need of medical care. Some employers have you file a "Personal Physician Pre-Designation Form" when you a first hired, if you did this visit the physician you specified in this form. If you did not file one of these forms, request that your employer send you to a treating doctor as soon as possible. Treatment must be provided within 24 hours of your claim being filed.
5. Describe how your work-related injury or illness to the treating doctor as accurately as you can. Also be sure to detail any and all parts of your body that have been affected.
6. Do not miss any appoints that may follow. Any medical slips or notes given to you from the treating doctor should be photo copied for your receipt.
7. Maintain an accurate record of all documents received from your employer, insurance carrier or doctor. Records should include: days off work, dates of all medical treatment, all round-trip mileage accrued from medical treatment, and receipts for any out of pocket expenses paid for medical or prescription costs.
8. Write down any facts or information about any injury you suffer while at work. Anything you think can help should be recorded.
9. Review the facts of your injury or illness with a specialized work injury lawyer. They can advise you on whether or not you have a civil lawsuit case.
10. Do not abuse the Workers' Compensation system in any way. Any injury or illness that happens that is not work related should not be reported.
Ten Tips to Protect You After a Work Related Injury
By: Ashley Ford
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