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There are an estimated 2.8 million workplace injuries per year, not taking the fatal accidents that occur into account. This is disheartening, as all workers should feel safe, but accidents unfortunately happen.
If you’re the victim of a workplace injury, you may feel overwhelmed by trying to keep yourself healthy while protecting your legal rights.
When injured at work, there are steps you’ll need to take to protect yourself and your legal rights. Keep reading to learn everything you’ll need to do to ensure you keep yourself safe.
1. Report the Injury
If the injury at work is non-life-threatening, you’ll need to report the accident to your employer and file a report. Your employer, supervisor, or HR department is required to inform OSHA about the accident, and failure to do so can cause legal issues for your company.
Should you refrain from informing your employer about your accident, you may be unable to receive benefits or compensation. In general, you’ll need to report your injury within 30 days.
2. Seek Medical Care
Once you’ve filed a claim, you’ll want to seek medical attention for your injury. If the injury requires immediate care, you’ll want to do this step before anything else, as your health is the most essential thing. If you need first-aid, you’ll need to receive care before filing the report.
Even if your accident at work was minor, going to the doctor for treatment can help protect you in case your company claims the injury was non-work related. Similarly, you’ll want to follow any advice from your doctor, as this will illustrate that you’re focusing on recovery.
3. File a Claim
Next, you’ll want to file a claim with your state’s worker’s compensation division. After you report the injury, you and your employer will have to fill out the necessary paperwork. Should your employer gives you a hard time, you can call your local office for assistance.
When approved for benefits, you’ll receive financial compensation for the part of the wages you’ll miss while unable to work and medical reimbursement.
4. Hire a Lawyer
Finally, you’ll want to hire a lawyer. Though this might seem like a drastic step, this is one of the most essential pieces of workplace injury advice, as legal representation from sweetlaw.com will help get you the benefits you deserve.
If you believe unsafe workplace conditions lead to your injury, this step is even more essential, as you can sue your employer for negligence. You’ll want to ensure you collect any evidence that can help your attorney represent you.
Steps to Take After You Were Injured at Work
Remember, focusing on your health and wellbeing if you are injured at work is crucial. Taking the time to recover and ensure you can make a complete return is essential to living a happy, normal life.
While these steps following an accident at work are helpful, your journey doesn’t end here. Check out the rest of our website for more lifestyle tips to help you protect yourself.
