When you get hurt at work, it affects your life in a number of ways. For starters, you'll likely miss time at work and as a result you may lose wages in addition to medical/medication costs, not to mention any pain and suffering. The worst part of getting hurt at work is that you may not be able to go back to work, or at least not in the short term. A workplace injury is any injury that occurs during working hours or during a paid absence from work that is still connected to work. Workplace injuries aren’t limited to the physical. Mental health issues related to the workplace may also be considered workplace injuries.
What Constitutes A Workplace Injury?
When an employee suffers an injury due to an accident or indicent at his place of employment, the employer is legally obligated to provide all employees with compensation for their losses. The damages they may receive depends on the type of accident they suffer and the extent of their injuries. The two main types of work-related injuries are:
- Occupational Disease (also known as Occupational Illness), such as ergonomic injuries.
- Workplace Accidents.
Defining Worker Compensation
Workers compensation is a term used by businesses to describe several different benefits that workers may claim after suffering an injury or occupational disease on the job. Workers compensation benefits are typically given to the worker. If the worker is injured on the job or claims to have been injured on the job, they can receive compensation to help with their medical expenses, recovery and loss of wages. It is in place to help injured employees and their families recover financially from injuries sustained on the job. The system is designed to protect the employer from paying for damages suffered by employees in the course of their duties.
Workplace injuries: Steps to take
If you have experienced an injury or incident at work, you should take the following steps to ensure that you can recover adequately and get access to any support you might deserve.
Report Your Injury Immediately
If you are not able to do so personally, have a coworker report it for you. Employers need to be notified as soon as possible when an employee has been injured. Workers compensation insurance companies, as well as employers, may deny claims if an injury is not reported promptly. As a result, you need to inform them right away if you have been hurt. Furthermore, most companies will have an accident report log which outlines all of the relevant information you need to supply.
Inform Your Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) That The Injury Is Work-Related
Many insurance companies will attempt to deny you compensation if this information is not given in your first meeting with the doctor. Therefore, you should ensure they have made a note and even ask them to be sure. It is also an essential step because you might be able to get deferred payment options while your HMO (private health insurance) and the insurance company work things out.
Record All Missed Days, Travel Expenses, And Other Personal Expenses
By ensuring that you have kept a diary of these points , you will be in a better position to be reimbursed for all costs when the time comes. The main things you need to record include:
- Missed work days: You will use this to calculate what you are owed regarding the days you should have been working.
- Travel expenses: Any travel related to your injury, such as going to and from the hospital, or even family members visiting you to look after you, should be logged.
- Out of pocket expenses: This could include a range of costs, but keep them within reasonable boundaries. For example, purchasing your painkillers with your own money is OK, but the meal in the restaurant next door is not.
Get In Contact With A Lawyer
Confusion and stress may be a constant accompaniment to navigating the workers compensation system. As a result you may consider getting in contact with a law firm that specialises in particular areas of law. They can aid you in dealing with all parties involved, and provide you with moral support throughout the process. In a nutshell, Workers Compensation Lawyers represent workers that have been hurt on the job. This injury may be something as simple as an injury from a slip and fall, or may be related to a severe injury that leads to job loss or even death. A Workers Compensation Lawyer can give you the advice you need to keep your job and return to work while still receiving the total compensation benefits that you deserve. Nonetheless, there are some essential things to look out for when choosing an attorney to handle your case:
- An excellent public image: The best way is to ask around for recommendations. Someone you know may have experience with seeking compensation and can provide you with the contact details of the attorney they used.
- Workers comp experience: This is very important because if you choose the wrong attorney from the outset, you may have a lot of work to restart the process with a new one.
- Experience with specific injuries: Depending on what injury you sustained, you may find a lawyer that has had experience with that specific issue (such as mesothelioma). Having them understand your predicament will make dealing with insurance and medical companies easier since they have precedent to draw from.
- Optimism and proactivity: When you can find a lawyer with a great attitude, you will likely become more optimistic and hopeful that you can win your case.
- Good customer service skills: This works both ways for you and your employer. If your attorney is polite and respectful, it is easier for you to deal with them. Te same goes for the relationship between your lawyer and employer. This is vital because you most likely don’t want your employer to suffer - you simply want the compensation you deserve. If you get a lawyer with a bad attitude, it might make going back to work more difficult.
- Offer of a free consultation: You don't want to spend even more than you already have, but you still need legal advice. Law firms that offer free consultations are more appealing than those that don't.