Workers’ Compensation: Steps to Take When Injured on the Job

Finding yourself injured on the job can be one of the most helpless and terrifying instances for any employee. Knowing that you could miss weeks or even months of work can be detrimental along with having to deal with medical issues. Workers’ compensation helps ease that burden by providing the monetary compensation needed for your recovery. In this piece, we will discuss what should be done to ensure that the recovery process is an easy one.

It can be difficult to deal with an injury at work. With our legal team at your side, it doesn’t have to be.

Report the Injury

It’s important to report your injury as soon as possible. Failing to do so can lead to possible legal issues down the road. You will find that most employers encourage their employees to file injury claims as soon as possible. Avoid any situation that allows your employer to claim you were injured outside of work by filing correctly and promptly and always in writing with a witness present.

Notify Your Supervisor

It is very important for a supervisor to know the full extent of your injury. He/she may allow you to leave work to visit a doctor or take a leave of absence if the injury is serious. If you feel your boss is not acting professionally about the situation, notify your company’s human resources department or a person in a higher position. When being examined, explain exactly how the injury occurred. Obtain all paperwork, doctor’s orders and/or any medication or treatments.

Obtain and Complete All Paperwork

Once the accident occurs, file a claim with your human resources department. If your place of employment does not have an HR manager, contact your supervisor or manager to ask for all necessary paperwork. Never falsify information in an attempt to make your claim stronger to garner more compensation benefits, as this is illegal. If you feel your injury requires more attention, contact your nearest labor office and an attorney.

Wait to be Cleared by a Doctor

If you cannot return to work and have been given a leave of absence, make sure to visit your doctor as scheduled. Never return to work without a doctor’s written consent. Doing so can lead to issues regarding your worker’s compensation benefits.

Here When You Need Us

Know that you aren’t alone in dealing with your injury. Our personal injury lawyer in McAllen will do what he can to best handle your case. For more information about dealing with work-related injuries, contact the J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys online or at 956.630.6700.