Personal Injury at Workplace
Workplace injuries are illnesses or injuries, which develop as a result of an individual’s employment. Most jurisdictions limit the description of a workplace injury to one that “emerges out of and in the course of employment” to deter workers from claiming for injuries, which did not occur at the job.
In most cases, a personal injury at the workplace happens due to an unsafe working environment (the working area is hazardous, the equipment is faulty, or the environment is contaminated with dangerous chemicals). Furthermore, tasks requiring strenuous or repetitive movements (for example, heavy lifting or manufacturing labor) could result in injury.
Three Steps to Securing Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
To prevent risking your workers’ compensation eligibility, there are three essential things you should do instantly following your injury. These three acts secure your right to workers’ compensation while also ensuring that you obtain the emergency care you require.
1) Seek Medical Assistance
Your first concern in the event of a workplace injury that necessitates immediate care is to seek assistance. You could travel to the nearest urgent care facility to get your requirements met. However, once the danger is through, you will require to find a follow-up doctor who is:
- Non-network
- Out-of-network
- In-network with your boss’ workers’ compensation categories
If you are uncertain if a workers’ compensation healthcare network covers you, you should check with your employer. It is critical to understand and follow the requirements of the Arizona or California Division of Workers’ Compensation; else, you may lose your claim to benefits. Ensure to notify your practitioner regarding all of your injuries, such as how you got them.
Documentation is also important. Maintain copies of everything relevant to your injury, including dates of doctor appointments and hospital bills, as well as days you missed work due to your injury.
2) Inform Your Employer About Your Injury
Notify your boss of your injuries and how they occurred as soon as you are physically capable of doing so. Send an emailed or written notification in conjunction with a spoken report so that there is indisputable evidence of your report.
You should not wait a day or two to realize if the pain goes away by itself; you must notify your supervisor as soon as possible so that there is no dispute about where, when, and how your incident happened.
Your boss should have you fill out an accident report outlining the scenario in full. If he does not, ask for it. Maintain copies of everything you provide for your reference.
3) Understand Your Rights As An Employee Who Has Been Hurt
Without assistance, the complexities of workers’ compensation legislation could be virtually impossible to comprehend. Though you do not always have to be a specialist, understanding the fundamentals will help you a lot. Research the subject and consult with an expert workers’ compensation attorney to assist you to comprehend your rights and make a reasonable claim.
If you have been injured at work, you may be eligible for benefits. Do not hesitate to contact Karnas Law Firm to arrange a free case evaluation with an expert Yuma Personal Injury Attorney today through mobile or fill out the online contact form.