If you were injured on the job, you are likely concerned about your health, your family’s wellbeing, and your financial future. If you are experiencing injury from a workplace accident, you are likely covered by workers’ compensation, and there are actionable steps you can take to guarantee you don’t miss out on any income or opportunity at work while you recover.
According to a 2018 report from the US Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Americans are reporting just under 3 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses per year. While the rate isn’t rising, it certainly isn’t encouraging. The most at-risk jobs for workplace injuries include laborers, janitors, truck drivers, and nursing assistants; complaints range from overwork and exertion, falls, transportation incidents, and deadly contact with equipment.
When you are suffering from a workplace accident, it can be overwhelming to decide how to take action. Let’s discuss the first steps you should take after receiving an injury on the job so you can be aware of your rights under the law and receive the compensation you are owed.
Immediately Report Any Injury To Your Employer
The first thing you should do after experiencing workplace injury is to report the injury to your employer. In most states, you are required to notify your employer of your injury within a certain time frame to fully protect your rights and receive workers’ comp.
For example, in Chicago, you’ll need to report the incident within 45 days to receive full benefits under Illinois state law. No matter where you live, you should bring your injury to the attention of your employer as soon as possible so you can receive proper medical treatment and compensation under the law.
After you report your injury to your employer, immediately seek medical attention. Even if you don’t think you need it, a doctor’s opinion is vital to explore your treatment options and prove you were indeed injured on the job.
Find Out If You’re Covered By Workers’ Compensation
If you can prove you received your injury at work, it will likely fall under the umbrella of workers’ comp. Whether it’s a broken bone or fracture, an injury from overwork, or a repetitive ailment like carpal tunnel, you are likely eligible to receive workers’ comp for your troubles.
Workers’ compensation covers all job-related injuries, no matter how long you have worked a certain job. Some states like Illinois operate under a no-fault system, meaning that you’re entitled to compensation regardless of whether or not the injury was your fault. Research the laws in your state and consult a lawyer to plan your next steps.
Seek Legal Assistance To Get What You Deserve
If you have questions about your rights or your employer is trying to cheat you out of workers’ comp, it’s best to consult a personal injury lawyer. Under the law, your employer must pay for your medical care as well as partially compensate you for wages lost due to any injury.
Did you know that approximately 200,000 work-related incidents happen per year in the state of Illinois alone, according to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission? Out of that staggering number, 38% of those injuries take place in Chicago and fewer than 50,000 end up filing a claim.
While each state’s laws differ slightly, anyone suffering from an accident on the job is owed workers’ comp. If you are feeling lost after a workplace injury, contact a personal injury lawyer to help fight for the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
Workers’ compensation is a right for all Americans and is set up to prevent corporations from taking advantage of their employees in the wake of a workplace injury. If you have suffered from an accident on the job, you are protected under the law and should be able to receive benefits under workers’ comp.
If a traumatic incident happens to you or a loved one while on the job, be sure that you know your rights, act quickly to report the accident, and seek legal counsel from a personal injury attorney to get the help that you deserve.