The aftermath of a work accident can be overwhelming and confusing. You may not be sure where to begin, and you might not know what you can do to start putting the pieces of your life back together again. One important step for your recovery is to file a workers’ compensation claim, but you may not know where to start with this process.
It can be helpful for you to learn more about what to expect from the workers’ compensation claims process. This will help you protect your rights and fight for the full benefits you need and deserve from your claim. A work injury can feel like a setback, but with the right type of support and benefits to help you meet your needs, you can put the pieces back together and move forward.
First steps
One of the first things you are going to want to do after your work accident is seek medical treatment. If your injuries are an emergency, of course it is critical to call for help or go to the hospital immediately. If your work injuries are not as grave, you may want to see if your New York employer had a preferred medical service provider for workers’ compensation incidents.
Seeking medical treatment is for the benefit of your own physical recovery, but it will also help you get the documentation you will need to verify the extent of your injuries. You will have to include this proof in a workers’ compensation claim you will file in the near future.
Notify your employer
Your employer needs to know if you suffered an injury in a workplace accident. You need to notify him or her as soon as possible of what happened to you and your intention to file an insurance claim. He or she cannot try to keep you from seeking your rightful benefits, nor can your employer retaliate against you if you do seek support through a workers’ compensation claim.
Maximize your claim
It’s not always easy to get what you need from a workers’ compensation claim. Insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind, and you may have to fight for the full amount you need and deserve. You may also have to appeal if your initial claim comes back denied.
You do not have to take these steps alone. There is significant benefit in working with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate this process and advocate for your rights as an injured worker.