When most people imagine a workplace injury, they think of construction zones and hazardous jobsites where disaster is one fleeting mistake away. But the truth is that work-related injuries are far more common than most people assume.
In fact, employers in the United States reported more than 3 million nonfatal illnesses and injuries in 2013, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These victims ranged from electricians to office managers, proving that no occupation is immune to workplace hazards.
So what should you do if you suffer an injury on the job? Most employers carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover lost wages and health-care bills of injured employees. In some cases, though, companies do not have adequate coverage or refuse to acknowledge a claim. Victims face insurmountable debt, and they may not be able to return to work. Fortunately, you may still be able to recover compensation with the help of an accident attorney.
The best way to protect your interests is to know the steps to take after a workplace accident. The following tips can be the difference between filing for bankruptcy and making a full financial recovery after a workplace injury:
- Report the Accident as Soon as Possible
In some cases, workers don’t realize that they’ve been injured until several days or even weeks after the incident. All states have a timeframe during which employees must report injuries if they hope to recover benefits from workers’ comp.
This is why you should tell your supervisor or manager about any on-the-job accident – even if you do not believe you were injured. If nothing else, reporting the accident could motivate your employer to introduce new safety guidelines that will protect other workers from the same hazard.
- Visit the Doctor
This should be one of your top priorities after a work-related accident. If your injuries are not serious, then you should ask if your employer requires you to visit a particular doctor, or if you can make your own choice.
If the employer chooses a physician and you are unsatisfied with the visit, then you may choose to see a different doctor. Workers’ compensation laws entitle injured employees to a second opinion. This could be a smart option if you believe the employer’s doctor is underestimating the seriousness of your injuries.
- Find out If Workers’ Comp Will Cover Your Injury
Workers’ comp laws require that most employers carry insurance. If you suffer an injury at work, then you may be covered even if the accident was your fault. However, not every injury qualifies for benefits.
For example, if you were using illegal drugs or drinking alcohol before the incident, then you may have to pay for injury-related expenses out of pocket. This is why your employer may request a drug test before recognizing the legitimacy of your claim. In some cases, though, employees who were sober at the time of the accident fail the drug test. If this is the case and your employer is denying your claim, then you should contact a workers’ comp attorney as soon as possible.