Nobody wants to get hurt, especially at work. The frustration and unnecessary disruption to your life can feel as bad as the injury itself. The good news is, you don’t have to do it alone.
If you are injured in an accident at work, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Nearly every employer in Georgia is required by law to provide workers compensation insurance coverage for its employees. If you suffer a job-related injury, here are the steps you should take immediately. This is not legal advice; these are common-sense steps you can take to preserve evidence and make sure you are treated fairly when you have been injured:
- Report that you’ve been hurt. If you are injured at work, immediately report it to your employer, preferably in writing. Don’t delay: Filing a report too late may result in loss of benefits.
- Seek medical treatment. Even if your injury does not warrant a visit to the emergency room, you should make an appointment to see a physician. Ask your employer if they require you to see a certain doctor. Don’t attempt to self-treat or minimize your pain: Sometimes, the extent of your injuries may not become apparent right away.
- Document the details. In addition to your doctor’s notes, you should also keep your own records. As soon as you are able, note the date, time, location of the accident. Jot down any important details you remember, such as the steps you took prior to and after the accident and names of any witnesses present.
- File an accident report. File an accident report with your employer. You have a short time to do this and failing to report that you’ve been injured can cause problems with your claim. Give us a call if you need assistance.
- Contact a workers’ comp attorney. You should contact a lawyer as soon as practical so that all facts and evidence can be obtained accurately. The right workers’ comp attorney will be familiar with workers’ comp insurance laws, deadlines, and all the requirements for managing your case. Whether the resolution to your injury comes about through a trial, or simply through negotiation with your employer, time is of the essence in getting the justice you deserve.
At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., we believe that results matter most. If you’ve been injured on the job, order our free book 9 Common Mistakes at Can Destroy Your Workers’ Compensation Claim.
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