It’s very frustrating to get an injury at work but when you do, the right measures will save your health and even your legal rights. Early consultation with a workers’ compensation attorney can assist you to ensure that you do not commit errors that will end up compromising your claim in future. The following is a straight forward guide on what to do as soon as there is an accident at the workplace.
Pursue Medical Intervention Immediately
Health is the number one priority. Seek medical attention, may it be a minor or major injury. This not only aids you in avoiding complications but it also generates official medical documentation, this being one of the most crucial sections of a workers compensation claim.
In case it’s an emergency, call or visit the closest hospital. Your employer can also refer you to a particular clinic or provider in case of non-emergencies, although in this case, you still have the right to receive the required treatment.
Notice Your Employer of the Injury
The law of Maryland demands that injured employees should report this to the employer. Preferably, one is supposed to report the injury during the work shift or at the very least. The reason why you should inform your employer in time is to provide the insurance company with a ground to reject or postpone your claim. Provide details such as:
- How the injury happened
- When and where it occurred
- Who witnessed the incident
- The problems or pain that you are having
It’s always better to report in writing so that there’s a record.
Document Everything
Claimed documentation enhances your case and aids your lawyer to struggle to gain maximum benefits. Make sure to:
- Record the information about the accident.
- Store medical records and notes of doctors.
- Snapshots of the accident scene and injuries.
- Retain incident report duplicates.
- Missing work days record.
In case colleagues were present at the time of the accident, request their statements or contacts.
Adhere to All Medical Instructions
The insurance companies tend to reject claims on the grounds that workers haven’t taken treatment as dictated. Show up to all medical appointments, take medication as instructed and obey work limits.
In case the physician gives you permission to do light-duty jobs, ask your employer whether he has light-duty jobs and put it in writing.
Make Your Workers Compensation Claim
It is not a claim to report the injury to your employer. You will have to submit an Employee Claim Form to Maryland Workers Compensation Commission (WCC). The problem with this step is that paperwork is often misused or information is not provided and this is a reason why it is better to seek legal assistance at the beginning.
Talk with a Work Injury Lawyer
It may happen that you are sure that you have a simple case, however, there’s a chance that you will face a problem with delayed benefits, medical treatment, or even arguments concerning the seriousness of your injury. A lawyer will assist you in knowing your rights and in collecting the evidence and dealing with the insurers.
Act Now To Defend Your Rights
An accident at the workplace can destroy your health, financial and future. By taking the action early and observing these, you will stand better chances of getting the benefits as you deserve. In case of any complications, a skilled work injury attorney can help you in the process and in the struggle to ensure that you’re compensated.
