There have been a few times in my life that I have needed a lawyer, and during those times, their help was invaluable. I worked with lawyers during the custody battle for my kids, when I dissolved the partnership for my business and after I suffered an injury at work. In this blog, I plan to write about the law from a range of angles. I may share posts inspired by my personal experiences, what's popular in the news or what strikes my fancy when I'm writing. I have a daughter, Oliva. I manage a medical clinic, and I love blogging. I hope you like the results. My name is Melinda, and thanks for reading!
As an employee, you can accidentally get injured physically at work. This can be from a cut, a fall that leads to a blunt force injury on or in any part of your body, broken bones, getting burnt, losing your sight or hearing, etc.
Sometimes, the injury is not physical; mental problems resulting from harassment, bullying or being overworked are also classified as workplace injuries. Here's what you should do if you encounter these forms of workplace injuries:
Important Things to Note
Every employer is required by the law to protect their employees by providing a safe working environment and personal protective equipment (PPEs); use these PPEs correctly to ensure you don't get injured.
Your employer might also have an employer's liability insurance cover; this protects them and the business if you get injured at work and sue or blame the employer.
Steps You Should Take After Getting Injured at Work
This depends on how seriously you get injured. If it is a serious injury, you will, of course, be rushed to the hospital since you might not be able to take yourself. Your employer will be made aware of such an injury.
Notify Your Employer
If you are not seriously injured, but the injury requires medical attention, you might be able to notify your employer as soon as possible via email and by word of mouth; a paper trail is important for record-keeping purposes.
When claiming for worker's compensation, there is a clause that states that you should notify your employer of your injury within a particular time frame. If you don't, you might void your compensation claim.
There are, however, instances when this clause does not apply; for example, if you are injured but symptoms appear after the deadline of the notification period or if death occurs.
Getting a Certificate of Capacity from Your Doctor
Visit your doctor for examination and treatment. They should write up a report of your injury and treatment received; this is what is known as a certificate of capacity.
Claiming Workers Compensation
Ask for a worker's compensation form from your employer, fill it out and then attach a copy of the certificate of capacity. Return these forms to your employer so that they can lodge them with the insurer.
Waiting for a Response from the Insurer
The insurer should inform you whether your compensation claim has been accepted or rejected. If it is rejected, you need to hire a worker's compensation lawyer to help you get compensation.
To learn more, reach out to a local workplace accident lawyer.
Share