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Injured While You Were At Work? 4 Steps That Will Help You Avoid Problems With Your Benefits

by Gene Vasquez

If you've been injured on the job, you have the right to compensation while you're unable to work. Most employers are required to carry worker's compensation insurance for their employees. These benefits are designed to provide injured employees with cash payments while they're unable to work. The insurance is also designed to provide for medical care associated with on-the-job injuries.

While the insurance is designed to protect you financially and medically once you're injured at work, there are some things you'll need to do to ensure you receive the benefits you're entitled to. Here are four steps you should take to avoid problems with your worker's compensation benefits.

Report the Injury as Soon as Possible

If you were injured at work, and you haven't notified your employer yet, you need to take care of that as soon as possible—even if you think the injuries were minor. You might not think the injuries are serious, but if you're suddenly unable to work, you'll have a hard time explaining the incident. Not only that, but notifying your boss as soon as the injuries occur will allow you to remember important details.

File a Written Report

If you informed your boss verbally, you've only taken half the necessary steps. In addition to giving your employer a verbal notification about the incident, you also need to file a written report. The written report documents the vital information surrounding the incident, and provides you with a paper trail to follow if you don't receive the care you're entitled to.

Seek Your Own Medical Attention

Once you've notified your employer about the accident, you will be sent to one of their doctors. That doesn't mean you need to stick with that doctor. In fact, you should seek your own medical care. Most employers will send you to a doctor that will save them money. However, you need to see a doctor who will have your best interest in mind. As soon as you've been injured on the job, you need to contact your own physician.

Hire an Attorney

If you've been injured on the job, you need to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Your employer will have attorneys working for them, and so should you. Your attorney will make sure that you receive the benefits that you're entitled to, and that your rights as an injured employee are protected at all times. 

For more information, talk to companies like Gilbert, Blaszcyk & Milburn LLP.

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