5 Things You Must Do When You Are Injured On the Job

Every work-related injury case is different, and these claims are addressed differently than other personal injury cases. The compensation for damages is structured differently, and state law can impact the amount that can be recovered by an injured worker. There are various requirements that must be met or your claim could be stalled or denied. Read the 5 things you must do if you are injured on the job:

Report your injury to your employer as quickly as possible, in writing.

If you fail to report your injuries to your employer in writing, you could lose your ability to get benefits. You should promptly report your accident to your employer and, if possible, get written confirmation.

Find out from your employer where you can seek medical care. The employer has a specific clinic or other medical care organization where you can go for treatment.

In order to support your claim, you must have medical records that show you sought treatment. Your employer will advise you where to go. Get everything in writing at each step, as verbal agreements can later be disputed.

Go to the doctor your employer sends you to and follow the directions for treatment given to you exactly.

If you were injured at work, your employer must pay for your treatment. In many cases, the employer will choose the clinic or medical center you must go to. If you choose another doctor, you may have to pay for it yourself. If you feel you are not getting adequate treatment, you can seek a second opinion, but be aware that you may have to pay for this yourself. Inform your employer in writing of your treatment plan, and that you are following what the physician has ordered.

Take photographs of the area in which you were injured, and ensure that you have the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses to the accident.

Having this documentation about your injury can help support your claim, and make it easier to resolve. With this information, it can be more difficult for an employer to assert that you were injured elsewhere.

Get your attorney to file a workers’ compensation claim on your behalf. You want to preserve your job, and with an attorney managing the claim, you can be certain your rights are protected.

If you were hurt on the job, you cannot be fired. If you were seriously injured, your employer will have to find you work that you can do. A Morris County workers’ compensation attorney can help you be protected from losing your job due to a work-related injury.

Protect your right to the benefits you deserve after an on-the-job injury. Contact the New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys of the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm at (973) 920-7900 today.