Workers' Compensation Work Injury Basics

Workers’ Compensation Work Injury Basics
What to Do If You Got Hurt on the Job

The worst has happened. You have a job you love. But you got hurt on the job.

Now what?

You do not want to fight with your employer because you like your job. Or maybe, you just need your job and cannot afford to be without a paycheck.

The first thing you do is, you MUST report your work injury within 45 days. That means calling your supervisor, writing a letter, OR filling out a work injury or incident report, if your company fills those out. If you report your work injury on the phone or verbally, make sure you have a witness to your reporting it.

You might not want to report the injury. But if you do not do it within 45 days of the injury or from the time you are told that the injury is work related, you will destroy your rights.

Once you report your accident, you should see a doctor. The only way to really prove an injury is to get an examination by a doctor. And, if you are sent to a company doctor, make sure that he or she is being reasonable, because if they are not, remember that you have the right to CHOOSE YOUR OWN DOCTOR.

Finally, many people have injuries at work and never consult a lawyer about their work accident. Many people do not know that even if the company pays for your medical bills and pays while you are off work, you are STILL entitled to a lump sum payment. YOU HAVE 3 YEARS TO FILE THE PAPERWORK with the Workers’ Compensation Commission.

I represent alot of people who contact me 2 1/2 years after an accident where the company goes under or they move to a different job. You can still file and recover compensation for your injuries even under these circumstances.

Even though you CANNOT be fired for filing a Workers’ Compensation case, many people feel more comfortable doing it after they find a new job.

If you have been injured at work, or under any circumstances, you owe it to yourself to learn the important secrets you need to know to protect your rights! If I can be of assistance, you can contact me HERE!

Workers Comp work injury lawyer Scott D. DeSalvo gives the injured worker a brief guide about what to do if you got hurt at work.

by Scott DeSalvo – July 31, 2008

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