No one goes into their job expecting to become injured, yet accidents still happen despite our best efforts at workplace safety. Be it an accidental slip in the cafeteria or an incident with heavy machinery, knowing how to respond effectively when workplace injuries arise is paramount – here is your step-by-step guide on handling unexpected events as a pro. As always, if you have found yourself injured at work, call our team at Precision PT and Med – your first consult is at no charge!
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health and safety must always come first, so if the injury is severe seek medical help immediately – call an ambulance if necessary or ask a coworker to do it if need be – don’t try to be the hero – seek help when necessary and don’t play hero yourself; seek professional assistance instead of trying to handle things on your own.
2. Inform Your Supervisor or HR Department
As soon as it is safe, inform your supervisor or the Human Resources department of any incident that affects you and/or your colleagues. They need to know in order to fulfill their role in subsequent processes – such as documenting it and initiating workers’ compensation procedures as necessary.
3. Document the Incident and Circumstances
Memory can be tricky after traumatic events, so it is crucial that you document all aspects of your injury while they’re fresh in your mind – the date, time, location, how it occurred as well as any contributing factors (wet floor or malfunctioning equipment) should all be noted down as soon as possible.
Have A Personal Injury?
Visit us at NO COST!
- Exam and Advanced Referrals
- Physical Assessment & Consultation
- Attorney referrals if needed
- Medical managed physical therapy and chiropractic visits
- We offer non-opioid mail order pharmaceuticals if needed
4. Witnesses Are Key
If any of your colleagues witnessed the accident, ask them for a statement or at least note their names. Their accounts can prove invaluable if there are questions or disputes regarding how an injury happened.
5. Seek Additional Medical Attention
Even after receiving initial care, it’s crucial that you visit a physician for further assessment, particularly if symptoms appear post-treatment. Sometimes an employer might direct you towards certain physicians; but always ensure you’re receiving appropriate healthcare.
6. Officially Report an Injury
Most companies have an established process for reporting workplace injuries. Usually this means filling out an injury report form provided by HR. Make sure to detail every aspect of what occurred from injuries themselves to unsafe working conditions or practices which contributed. Honesty is always key; by downplaying what transpired no one benefits.
7. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
In cases where time off work for recovery or medical bills are necessary due to an injury, filing a workers’ compensation claim could provide essential benefits such as medical coverage and wage replacement for employees who need it.
Start by notifying your employer in writing of your intention to file a claim and following any guidelines or procedures set out by either your company or state regulations – this could include filling out forms or providing additional documentation. Keep a record of everything submitted, as well as correspondence received, to assist in keeping track of deadlines and correspondence.
8. Keep Communication Open
Be sure to stay in close communication with your employer regarding your recovery status and any additional medical information they might require for benefits purposes. An open dialogue can make the process smoother and prevent misinterpretations or delays from the benefits provider.
9. Consult a Workers’ Comp Attorney
Although workers’ comp claims can often be straightforward, complications can arise that necessitate legal representation. If disputes, denied claims or not receiving benefits as you expected arises then speaking with a workers’ comp attorney might help provide guidance while representing your interests effectively.
The Final Word
No one likes to think about becoming injured at work, but being aware and prepared can make all the difference in outcomes. Prioritize your health and keep detailed records for both physical and financial wellbeing; don’t hesitate to seek legal advice as needed – your wellbeing deserves it. Call our team today for a free workers compensation consult!
Have A Personal Injury?
Visit us at NO COST!
- Exam and Advanced Referrals
- Physical Assessment & Consultation
- Attorney referrals if needed
- Medical managed physical therapy and chiropractic visits
- We offer non-opioid mail order pharmaceuticals if needed
