On-the-job injuries have become less and less common over the years. In 1978, OSHA recorded 10.9 incidents per 100 workers. In 2019, that number fell to a mere 2.9 out of 100.
Because it’s less common to get injured on the job, you may not know what to do if you find yourself in this position. You must know you know the required steps so that you can get the medical care, time off, and workers’ compensation that you deserve.
Here’s what you need to do.
1. Report When You’re Injured On the Job
The most important step of all is this one. You have to make sure your employer knows that you have been injured.
How you report it will depend on the state in which you live. In some places, a written notice is required, while, in others, a verbal one will work.
Don’t wait to report your injury, either. Most places have a small window in which you must report an injury. Otherwise, you may not be entitled to workers’ compensation and other injury-related benefits.
Once your employer knows about your injury, it’s up to them to make sure you get the healthcare you need. They have to file your claim to your state’s workers’ compensation board, too.
2. Know the Benefits To Which You’re Entitled
Next, you should know what type of care you’re entitled to receive once you have had an injury at work.
Workers’ compensation should cover your medical care — seeing a doctor to diagnose the problem, as well as the treatment needed to restore your health. This may include everything from prescriptions to surgery, depending on what you need.
Your workers’ compensation should also cover a portion of your wages if you can’t work because of your injury. In most cases, you’ll get two-thirds of your normal paycheck.
And, if your injury at work will prevent you from doing the same job again, then you are entitled to vocational rehabilitation, as well. That way, you’re not left without work or pay once you heal from your injury.
3. Hire Help If You Need It
Not all workers’ compensation cases are cut and dry. Your employer may resist paying for your medical care, especially if the case is a complex one.
If you find yourself without the benefits you deserve, you should hire a lawyer to help you. There are law offices across the country that specialize in these types of cases. Check out https://leelawoffices.org/workers-compensation/nc-workers-compensation/ as one example.
On top of that, you might want to hire a lawyer if you would like to collect punitive damages or personal injury compensation. Filing a civil lawsuit can help you get additional funds — a lawyer can guide you through that process.
Find the Healing You Deserve
Getting injured on the job will affect you both physically and mentally. But if you get the help you need — and deserve — it’ll be much easier to get back on your feet and start again.
With the proper workers’ compensation, medical treatments, and care from your employer, you’re halfway there. That’s why it’s so vital that you know your rights — if you know them, you can use them.
Need more workplace advice? Check back with us for more.
