Creating A Solid Defense

No one wants to get hurt while they're at work. However, every year more than three million Americans are injured or get sick as a result of their job. While construction workers, EMTs and assembly line workers make up a large percentage of such injuries, even office workers can slip on a wet floor or trip on the uneven sidewalk in front of the building. It pays for all workers to know what to do in the event of a workplace injury.

What to do if you get hurt on the job

1. Seek medical assistance. Depending on the severity of your injury, you'll want to seek medical assistance either before or immediately after notifying your boss of your injury. This not only safeguards your health, but shows that your injury was serious enough to warrant your going to the emergency room. (Note: In some states, you are required to see the doctor recommended by the company.)

2. Report the injury to your supervisor. If you're able to let your supervisor know, tell him about your injury briefly before you go to the emergency room. Obviously, for more severe injuries, you'll want to seek medical assistance first. Depending on the workman's compensation laws in your state, you have between a few days and a few months in which to report your injury.

3. Request a copy of the accident report. Your company is required by law to complete an accident report about your work-related injury. Request both a copy of the written report and a copy of the claim (which shows that the report was filed.)

4. Advise your union representative of your injury. If you belong to a union, your union representative should also be advised of your injury. He or she can act as an advocate for you, should you seek workman's compensation benefits.

5. Follow the doctor's advice. Following the doctor's advice is another way of showing that you are taking your injury seriously. If he or she recommends further tests or seeing a chiropractor, make sure that you do it.

6. Keep all medical appointments. It's also important that you keep all of your doctor's and other medical appointments. Your company could use skipping appointments as a reason against your getting workman's compensation benefits.

7. Take detailed notes. Jot down the day, time and person you talk with whenever you discuss your work-related injury. Your early notes could be vital if your case comes goes to court.

Getting injured at work is no fun for anyone involved. However, make sure that you get the compensation you deserve by seeking prompt medical assistance, following the doctor's orders and keeping your boss informed of your injury and your medical progress. For more information, speak with experts like Robert W. Sebera, PC.