Although nobody wants to be injured at work, this happens to millions of people throughout the country every year.
If you find yourself in this position, it’s important to know what you should and should not do. Here are some basic steps to take after suffering an injury:
— Obtain immediate medical attention. For example, you may need to administer first aid at the scene of the accident. Along with this, it’s important to receive detailed medical treatment as soon as possible.
— Notify your company about the accident and injury. This often means contacting your supervisor to provide details of your injuries as well as the reason it occurred. You don’t want to wait to do this, as doing so can have an impact on your ability to receive workers’ compensation benefits. In New York, for example, you have 30 days to inform your employer of the injury in writing.
— File a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. This is as simple as completing Form C-3 (in New York) and sending it to a nearby office of the Workers’ Compensation Board.
Along with the above, it’s imperative to follow the advice of your medical team. Also, don’t hesitate to return to work once you are able to do so.
If you find yourself injured at work, there is no denying the fact that your health should come first. Even so, you also need to turn your attention to receiving workers’ compensation benefits. This way, you can receive financial support until your injuries heal and you’re ready to return to work.
Source: New York State, “Workers’ Compensation,” accessed Dec. 08, 2016