Five Steps You Should Take After You are Injured at Work

An injury can happen anywhere, at any time – even while you are at work. Though certain industries and professions can pose more of a risk to employees, any worker can be injured through a variety of ways. Work injuries can range from a superficial cut to loss of a limb and, in some cases, even death. The decisions that you make after you are injured at work can affect the outcome of your workers’ compensation claim, which is why it is important that you take the right steps. Here are a couple of steps that every injured worker should take if they have been hurt at work:

1. Report Your Injury Right Away

One of the first things you should do after you are injured at work is to report your injury to your employer. While it does not have to be the absolute first thing you do, it is imperative that you report your injury as soon as possible. You cannot file a workers’ compensation claim and receive benefits if you do not report your injury.

2. Get Medical Attention

While getting treatment is obvious, the place you go to receive medical attention can impact the benefits you will receive from your workers’ compensation claim. In Illinois, some employers may have a Preferred Provider Program (PPP) in place, which is a list of physicians, specialists and other health providers that the employer has approved. If your employer does have a PPP, you must first choose a provider from the list to be seen. First aid and emergency care do not count as a provider and do not have to be from the PPP.

3. Let Your Healthcare Provider Know Your Injury is Work-Related

When you go to the doctor, make sure you tell them that you are being seen for a workplace injury. This alerts the doctor and the staff to the fact that all of this information should be relayed to the workers’ compensation insurance provider and also that all bills should be sent to the insurance provider – not you.

4. Keep all Documents, Records, and Receipts

Though you may accumulate a lot of paperwork during the healing process, you should try to save any and all documents that are given to you. This means you should keep a copy of all doctor’s visit summaries, work restriction sheets, prescriptions, orders for bloodwork and imaging and receipts for out-of-pocket costs.

5. Hire a Knowledgeable Tinley Park Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Perhaps one of the more important steps, hiring a skilled Orland Park workers’ compensation attorney who has experience working with all kinds of clients can greatly help you if you run into problems with your case. At the Fotopoulos Law Office, we have a lengthy track record of helping clients from throughout the southern Chicago suburbs deal with their workers’ compensation claims. Call our office today at 708-942-8400 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

Handbook on Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Diseases

What to do if You’re Injured at Work