Injuries at work can be incredibly distressing, both physically and emotionally. Not only can they be painful and disrupt your daily life, but you may also be worried about the financial consequences of being unable to work. In 2021 alone, US employers reported over 2.6 million workplace injuries or illnesses. This guide looks at what you should do if you experience an accident or illness at work.
Report the accident to your manager or employer immediately.
Right away, you’ll need to report the work accident that caused your injury. Whether your injury is minor or severe, it’s essential to let your manager or employer know what happened. Not only will this give you a chance to get any support and medical help you need as soon as possible, but it will allow your employers to report the accident quickly.
Take evidence of what caused the accident, if possible.
If you can, take pictures and videos of the accident that caused your injury. This will help you document the event and provide evidence if you decide to file a workers comp claim. Having proof will be helpful if you are severely injured or suffer life-changing injuries. You should only do this if you can; it is safe to do so, or your colleagues can.
Seek first aid or medical care if required.
If you need treatment, you should head to your nearest emergency room or visit your doctor for treatment and to get your injury assessed. Doing so will give you a record of the exact issues caused, the severity of them, and any further treatments or ongoing medical care you will need as you recover.
File a workers comp claim.
If you have been injured at work, you should file a workers comp claim as soon as possible. In most states, you must file a workers comp claim form within 30 if you are covered. Some exceptions exist, so it is worth checking with your employer or state when you can. Follow up on this with your employer and ensure all the necessary paperwork has been filed and that you have also filled in everything you need to. You may also want to find a work injury lawyer who can assist you in getting any compensation you are entitled to following the accident.
Take time off to recover.
Workers injured on the job have the right to take time off to rest and recover from the accident. While filing your worker’s comp claim, taking time off to properly heal is essential. Listen to your doctor, who will advise you on the appropriate time to allow your injury to heal. Once his time has passed, and you have been cleared for work, you are entitled to resume complete duties. In the meantime, you are entitled to disability compensation if you are temporarily or permanently unable to return to work.
Conclusion
A workplace accident can be worrying and stressful, but knowing what to do in the aftermath of an accident can help you get the help you need mentally and financially if you have to take extended periods off work. Following the tips in this guide can help you get the proper support when needed.
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