If you’ve been injured on the job, it can be challenging to know what to do next. You may feel overwhelmed, confused, and unsure where to turn for help. This blog post will list six steps you can take if you’ve been injured at work. Following these steps will help ensure you get the medical care and financial assistance you need. Read on for more information.
Seek medical attention
If you’ve been injured at work, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t think your injuries are severe, it’s essential to have a doctor take a look. They can properly diagnose your injuries. From there, they can advise you on the best course of treatment. Reputable construction accident lawyers in New York recommend securing a copy of all your medical records related to the injury. These will be important for any workers’ compensation claim you may file. For instance, if the primary doctor who treated you is no longer working at the clinic, their records may be difficult to obtain. Or, if you consulted another doctor for a second opinion, make sure to get copies of those records as well.
Notify your employer
Once you’ve seen a doctor, the next step is to notify your employer about the accident and your injuries. This needs to be done as soon as possible, and you should do it in writing. Be sure to include the date of the accident, what happened, and what injuries you sustained. These details will be necessary for your workers’ compensation claim. If your employer does not have a designated workers’ compensation contact, you can notify the human resources department or your supervisor.
Additionally, if your employer does not have a specific form, you can use a New York State Department of Labor template. You should keep a copy of this notification for your records. Later, you can use this document to prove that you correctly notified your employer of the accident and injuries.
Gather evidence
Right after the accident, you should begin gathering evidence. This may include taking pictures of the accident scene, getting contact information for witnesses, and keeping a record of your medical expenses. The photos of the accident scene can help show how the accident happened and who may be at fault. The witness information can be used to corroborate your version of events. And the medical records will document the extent of your injuries and the treatment you received. All of this evidence will be important in filing a workers’ compensation claim or personal injury lawsuit. Any records or documentation that you can get will be helpful in support of your claim.
File a workers’ compensation claim
If your job caused your injuries, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help cover the cost of your medical care and lost wages while you’re out of work. In New York, you have 30 days from your accident date to notify your employer of the accident and injuries. You then have two years to file a claim with the Workers’ Compensation Board. Keep track of important deadlines, as missing them could jeopardize your right to benefits. For instance, if you fail to notify your employer during this time frame, you may not get compensated. Similarly, your claim may be denied if you wait too long to file a claim with the Workers’ Compensation Board.
Hire an attorney
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, hiring an experienced attorney is essential. These cases can be complex, and an attorney can help you navigate the process. They will also be able to gather evidence, file the necessary paperwork, and represent you in court if necessary. Most importantly, an attorney will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. When choosing a legal representative, you should look for someone with experience handling construction accident cases. You can ask family and friends for recommendations or search online. Once you’ve narrowed your choices, you should schedule a consultation with each attorney. This will allow you to ask questions and get more information about their services.
Be patient
Finally, patience is vital as you go through this process. Work injury cases can take time to resolve, and it may be several months before you receive compensation. In the meantime, keep up with your medical appointments and follow your doctor’s orders. Additionally, be sure to stay in contact with your attorney, so they can keep you updated on the status of your case. By following these steps, you can ensure you have the best chance of compensation.
You can do these things if you’ve been injured at work. If you have any questions, contact an experienced attorney who can help you through this process. Rest assured that with some patience and perseverance, you will get the justice and compensation you deserve.
