If you have been injured in the workplace, there are a few steps you're going to have to take to make sure you get compensation. Workplace injuries can be very straightforward. However, there are times when they can be difficult to navigate.
Here's a look at what you need to do once you've been injured at the workplace and how a personal injury lawyer can help you.
Report the Problem
One of the first things you will need to do is report your injury. This is an important first step because it informs your boss that you have suffered an injury.
If possible, make sure that you report the injury in writing by using a workplace injury report form. This way you will have a paper trail for your lawyer to work with if it becomes necessary.
Get Treatment
After you have reported the incident, the next thing you should do is to get yourself examined by a medical practitioner. This step in the process is also important because it provides a medical record that you can reference when you seek compensation.
Your employer may have a list of approved doctors that you can go to for your medical treatment. You should ask for this list from your supervisor. If your supervisor does not have it and you have an HR department, you can ask them for it. If you do not receive this list, you should go to a doctor of your choice instead.
File a Claim
The next step in the process will be to file a claim. You should be given a claim form by your employer. You can then file it with whatever board is responsible for dealing with worker's compensation claims where you live. If your claim is being disputed by your employer, the best course of action is to get legal assistance.
Get Legal Advice
Once your claim is in dispute, then you are going to need legal help to get you through the case. Your attorney will find out exactly what is in dispute and seek evidence to back up your claim.
Your attorney will also make sure that all your paperwork has been filled out correctly. They will also navigate their way around the insurance company and your employer as well. Your attorney will see to it that you are compensated for your current medical expenses and those you may have in the future.
Be sure to follow all the necessary guidelines when you are injured on the job, and if necessary, ask a personal injury lawyer for help.