According to the National Safety Council, a worker is injured every 7 seconds.
No matter the industry you work in, there’s a chance you might get injured on the job.
While you try your best to avoid an accident, it’s vital to take the right steps when the unthinkable happens.
You may think staying silent is the best way to keep your job, but that’s far from the truth.
Employers should prioritize your safety and wellbeing above their operations.
Don’t know what to do if you suffer an injury on the job? We’ve got you covered.
Here are the 5 things you should do to protect yourself.
1. Report Your Injury as Soon as Possible
There’s a chance you won’t notice your injury until after you leave work.
Most workers make the mistake of waiting until later to report their injuries.
However, not reporting it immediately can put you in a tough spot when it comes to obtaining relief.
Your employer might become suspicious if you take a long time to report your injury.
When you notify your employer, make sure to report any prior injuries you suffered.
Not making this disclosure can even ban you from receiving any monetary relief.
2. Obtain Medical Treatment
It might be cheaper to try to ride out the pain at home.
Yet, you should obtain medical treatment from a healthcare professional.
During your visit, discuss in detail the circumstances of your injury.
3. Complete and File the Required Workers’ Compensation Forms
Besides documenting your injury, workers must file all required workers’ compensation forms.
You may think some common slip and fall accidents due to broken handrails, unsafe stairways, among others aren’t dangerous or serious.
However, you should file the required forms to protect yourself and receive the relief you deserve.
4. Maintain and Organize Your Records
Besides your medical records, it’s important to document additional expenses such as mileage for medically necessary travel. To ensure you maintain the right documentation, you should read the applicable local regulations.
These laws will explain what expenses your employer has to cover.
If you’re unsure about how to organize your records, you may consider consulting a workers’ compensation attorney.
5. Return to Work at the Right Time
Depending on your injury, you might be afraid about returning to work. However, you should return as soon as you get better.
Delaying your return can backfire into a voluntary loss of income.
Your employer may even fire you based on your refusal to work.
Either way, it will make it difficult to secure a job at another employer and make you ineligible for benefits such as unemployment.
Can You Get the Relief You Deserve When Injured on the Job?
You can obtain the relief you deserve when you get injured on the job. It depends on taking the right steps after the event to protect yourself.
You shouldn’t be afraid of asking for time off or support to get healthy.
While you can navigate this process alone, you may consider consulting an attorney.
A legal expert can help you secure the best monetary relief and even negotiate your settlement.
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