If you’ve suffered an injury while working, you must immediately report the incident. While this may seem obvious, not all accidents are created equal. Some accidents may not require acute medical attention but that’s not to say they are any less debilitating than an acute injury. Sometimes the injured person takes a wait and see approach. However, if accidents are not reported, the employer may deny medical treatment and benefits for missed time at work. Reporting a work related injury is the best way to prevent further complications in the workplace.
Legal advice from an experienced Queens personal injury lawyer may also be beneficial as they will help you file a claim and seek reimbursement for your medical bills and other expenses.
Stay informed. Many companies have specific programs aimed safe work practices. Be sure to keep on top your company’s current policies regarding work related injuries as some may impose strict internal deadlines for reporting accidents, for example, some require reports within 24 hours of an incident. You could find receive a formal reprimand and suspended without pay for not reporting an accident that your employer denies happened.
After you’ve reported your injury and are up to date with your company policies, see your doctor as soon as possible. If your injury does not require a visit to the emergency room then you should ask your employer if they require you to see a certain doctor or if you can choose your own. If your employer requires you see a doctor of their choosing and you are dissatisfied with your care, you may want to consider getting a second opinion. Even if workers compensation doesn’t cover for you to see a different doctor, it may be in your best interest to pay for it yourself. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may lose much more in benefits than it would cost to receive an evaluation by a different doctor.
Also See: 10 Common Construction Accident Incidents and When to Call a Lawyer
