Workplace illnesses and injuries can be devastating for workers both mentally and physically. Add to that the hassle of recovering all the compensation due and it is little wonder why most people cringe at the thought of work-related injuries. There are a few things you can do to ease the burden if you have been involved in an injury at work:
Seek Medical Attention
It is critical you take care of yourself immediately. In the event of a life threatening condition, immediately go to your nearest emergency room for treatment. Otherwise, you should see your primary care physician at the earliest possible opportunity. Prompt medical treatment can mean the difference between a full, speedy recovery and lifelong impairment.
Notify Your Employer
At the earliest possible moment you are physically capable, you should notify your employer of the situation. Initially, a verbal notification may suffice. However, this needs to be followed-up with a written notification, either in person or electronically. An email can be handy to catalogue and refer back to later if needed. Your employer probably has a procedure in place to document workplace injuries. If not, try to describe in detail the nature of the illness or injury, how it happened, and where it happened.
Document Everything
As mentioned above, written documentation is critical. It is proof of the circumstances surrounding your accident and the follow-up steps you took. It is a good idea to keep a log of documentation related to your illness or injury, including copies of notifications to your employer, doctor’s bills, and insurance claims so that you can refer back to it as necessary.
Consult Legal Counsel
At the end of the day, many workers injured on the job have a challenging time negotiating with insurance companies and employers. If this experience sounds familiar, it can be very helpful to seek the advice of a qualified attorney. They are experts in healthcare and labor law, and can ensure you receive all the compensation you are due.
If you have suffered a work-related injury or accident, contact the Todd Durham Law Firm for a consultation to ensure you don’t miss out on what you are owed. Call (214) 222-4000 today.
