If you have been hurt while working, you will need to follow proper procedure to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. This means that you will need to seek medical care from a company-approved medical provider right away and report your injury to your employer. Your employer will complete an accident report. That report is then forwarded to the proper parties, which is usually their insurer and the state workers’ compensation board. If they fail to report your injury, you will need to follow proper protocol to report the injury to the entities and to file a complaint about your employer failing to follow through with their responsibilities. The Reporting Process The reporting of an injury process can vary from one state to another as state laws oversee workers’ compensation claims in the different states. When, how, and who reports the injury can vary slightly. But usually, a work-related injury must be reported to a state agency within a specified number of days. In some states, the employer must report the accident within a couple of days. In other states, they have a year. It is also dependent on the speed at which you proceed with your workers’ compensation claim. You will need an attorney to help you with your claim if your employer doesn’t report your injury to the powers that be in a timely manner. Filing A Workers’ Compensation Claim If you have been hurt at work, seek medical care right away. You will need to notify your employer of your injury as well. Workers’ compensation claims are complicated and require specific deadlines to be met and detailed paperwork to be filed. You will need to provide your employer with a detailed account of the accident as well as the specifics regarding how you were injured and the severity of your injury. Any witnesses will need to provide statements as well. You will need to keep a copy of the accident report. Keep copies of medical records and any orders from your physician indicating time off or light duty. Document missed work and lost wages. Keep prescription records and receipts for any medical devices that the treating physician prescribes. Documentation is essential to a successful workers’ compensation claim. Make sure you keep everything you can that supports your claim. Consult With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney If you have been injured at work, consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. If you have been hurt and your employer did not report your injury, you will need an attorney to help you through that process as well. A workers’ compensation attorney can make a difference in your claim’s outcome. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to get your claim on the right track. An attorney licensed in your state will review the details of your case and determine the best way for you to proceed with your claim. You have nothing to lose, so get your free case review today! Additional Resources Workers' Compensation Attorneys by State How Much Are Workers' Comp Settlements?
