Injured at Work Basics

NOTIFY YOUR SUPERVISOR/EMPLOYER IMMEDIATELY

Your employer needs to be notified of the injury within 90 days of the injury or your claim may be barred.
 

GO TO THE DOCTOR/ATTEND TREATMENT

Worker’s compensation laws allow the employer to dictate, for the most part, what medical is provided and by whom because the employer is responsible to foot the bill.  It is important to attend all medical appointments and to be honest with the providers about injuries, pain, etc., always advise the medical provider about the full extent of the injury and the severity of the pain.  Failing to follow through with appointments and treatment can reflect negatively upon your claim.
 

CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY

There are statutes of limitations for filing claims with the worker’s compensation office; a claim must be filed within two years of the date of injury or three years from the date of last payment of worker’s compensation benefits.  Failure to file the claim in a timely manner could bar your claim.  Additionally, a skilled attorney will review the benefits that have been paid to ensure that the insurer paid the correct amount and in a timely fashion.  It is not uncommon for an insurance company to either fail to pay benefits when they are supposed to, or to pay less than what is required.  Additionally, if the employer denies your worker’s compensation claim an attorney should be sought immediately to try to help you get medical and other benefits that you may be entitled