An injury that occurs while working can bring a lot of worry and frustration to employees. Not only are you concerned about the injury itself and the recovery from that injury, most employees are concerned about the costs of care, as well as the losses they may receive on their paycheck. Fortunately, Worker’s Compensation Insurance provides coverage to help those injured at work. However, there are steps that must be taken to ensure these benefits are released in a timely manner and to prevent denials of these claims.
Understanding the Workplace Protocol
The best step in how to deal with injury at work is to understand the workplace’s protocol for such events. Some businesses have medical staff available for such incidents. In addition, the workplace may also have a specific person that needs to be contacted when an injury occurs. The company may also have specific medical providers that must be seen for these types of injuries. Understanding this process from the first day on the job can help ease the difficulties in the event of an injury. It can also prevent issues that can arise from not properly following the protocols set up at the particular business.
Report the Injury
It is vitally important to any workers’ compensation claim that the injury be reported as soon as possible. This is a necessary step to ensure the records are accurate and begin any compensation claim. The employer will fill out a report of the incident and will include any information available to support this incident. This report is the initial report of injury and should be filed by the employer with the workers’ compensation insurance provider within four days of the initial report.
Seek Medical Assistance
If the injury is severe, the first step that should be taken is to contact emergency personnel to get the immediate medical assistance needed. If the injury is severe, the initial report to the employer can wait until you are physically able to do so. It is important that medical assistance be sought as soon as possible. During the initial visit to a medical professional, it is important that you inform the care provider that the injury occurred at work. This information on the medical records can be very beneficial in receiving workers’ compensation benefits. It is also important to follow-up with the provider for any continued treatment and care to ensure proper recovery, as well as a complete medical record for any compensation claim.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Once the injury has been treated and a report has been filed with your employer, the next step is to file a worker’s compensation claim. The U.S. Department of Labor provides a lot of resources and information about workers’ compensation here. Workers’ compensation provides benefits to those injured at the job to help cover a variety of costs and losses associated with the injury. It can cover the costs of medical care and treatments. It can also provide coverage for lost wages due to the injury. There are also benefits available to assist if the injury has caused a disability that prevents you from returning to work.
Keep a Detailed Record
It is also important to keep a detailed record of the entire injury. This diary should contain all medical visits and treatments. You should also keep track of any days missed at work in this diary. Other things to include in this record are any out-of-pocket costs for medical care or treatments, including medications. Travel details pertaining to the injury are also important to keep a record of during this time. This includes dates and times of doctor appointments or for other treatments pertaining to the injury as well as the distance to and from these places. These records can be beneficial in the claim for workers’ compensation.
Seek Assistance from an Attorney
The entire process for receiving workers’ compensation can be lengthy and confusing for many people unfamiliar with the process. Des Moines workplace injury attorneys provide advice and assistance in filing these claims. They can also help appeal denials and seek additional benefits that may be needed to cover an injury. Although workers’ compensation is a benefit to assist employees when injured at work, sometimes employers may make it difficult to get this benefit. Sometimes, the benefits are far lower than needed to cover the costs and losses associated with the injury. The National Economic & Social Rights Initiative has comprised a list of various issues and reasons why some employers may have difficulties receiving benefits. If any of these situations apply, an attorney can help fight for proper benefits
An injury at work can be devastating and frightening for many people. The workers’ compensation insurance is a benefit that provides help with these situations. If injured, following these steps can provide a framework to help ensure you receive the benefits you deserve to help recover and support yourself and your family during this difficult time.
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