Some on-the-job injuries are the result of accidents while others are due to negligence on the part of employers. No matter what type of injury you have sustained, be aware that you are eligible to receive wages when injured. When employers do not treat you right during this process, you may also have legal recourse to receive special compensation for their refusal to provide a safe workplace. When you are injured, follow the process below to ensure that your injury is properly cared for and your job and wages are restored to you.
Get Medical Attention
You must get your injury treated quickly. This is not the time to be embarrassed that you made a mistake or to be worried that production will be held up if you take time off work. Untreated injuries can create huge problems for you in the future in the form of aches and pains and many worse symptoms. Some workplaces have clinics on site that will see you immediately. However, in the case of an emergency, your employer should call 911 for you.
Report Quickly
As soon as you are physically able, you should fill out an accident report for your workplace. In order to be eligible for worker’s compensation benefits, most workplaces require that injuries be reported within 30 days. For injuries that occurred gradually, you should report the condition as soon as you are aware of it. Most businesses have their own claims forms that will require you to report the type of injury, employees involved, specifics about the accident and medical treatment you received. Be sure to keep complete records yourself of everything you turn in and of your medical paperwork.
Apply for Workers’ Compensation
After you fill out the report, you should hear from a worker’s compensation claim administrator within a few days. If you do not hear from them, you should contact the workers’ compensation board yourself. Workers’ compensation is a benefit that many employers provide. These benefits typically cover over half of your normal paycheck for a certain number of months rather than your full amount.
Make a Plan to Return to Work
If your doctor has told you that you will need to take some time off work, be sure to communicate this with your employer. Your time off may be able to be covered by accrued sick days or vacation days if your workers’ compensation does not provide enough money. Your employer may also be able to work with you to create a modified job description to allow you to come back doing something that is easy on your body.
There are some circumstances where it may be advisable to hire a personal injury attorney in Iowa, such as James P. Hoffman. If your workers’ compensation claims have been denied, you are not receiving as much money as you should, you are not getting the medical treatment your need or your company is not working with you, a personal injury attorney can give you advice and help you take legal action. However, in the majority of cases, your employer or human resources staff will work with you to get you your requested workers’ compensation and to get you back to work as quickly and as safely as possible.