Take the Following Steps After Suffering an Injury to Help Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
- Immediately Report Your Injury: It is extremely important that you report your injury to your employer as soon as it occurs. Even if the injury seems very minor, you should still report it as sometimes injuries become worse over time. Make sure the report is in writing. If your employer does not document the report in writing, do it yourself and make a copy for both you and your employer.
- Make A Written Summary Of The Injury: Be sure to document all aspects of the injury, including: the date and time of the injury, the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of anyone who witnessed your injury, the person to whom you reported your injury, and any limitations the injury has caused.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention For Any Injury You Suffer: Once you have visited a physician for your injuries, make sure you continue medical care and keep a detailed medical record. Include the date and time of every doctor’s visit and a list of all medical providers.
- Report To Union Representative: If you are a member of a union, report the injury to your union representative.
- Notification To The Insurance Company: The employer must then notify the insurance company within 10 days of being told of injury/injury occurrence. If the injury was fatal, the employer must report it within 48 hours. The insurance company has 14 days to decide whether to pay the claim or investigate it. The insurance company will then have two options:
Send a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) which states the company will accept liability for the harm and the money is then sent within 14 days.
Send a Non-Prejudicial Agreement whereby the insurance company agrees to pay for up to 13 weeks of benefits, but the company does not accept liability.
The insurance company can cease payments at any time. If you receive benefits for more than 13 weeks, the insurance company should then send you an MOA.
Find The Right Workers Compensation Lawyer For You: You may want to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. Hiring a lawyer could help you get the benefits that you are entitled to.