What to Do When You Get Injured

What Can I Do to Make Sure My Case Goes as Smoothly as Possible?

To ensure that your case goes as smoothly as possible it is important that you:

• Report your injury as soon as possible to your employer
• Seek medical attention immediately
• Describe in detail the work-related accident to the treating physician and/or medical assistant
• Put into writing your description of the facts describing your work-related injury and include all witnesses
• If your benefits are denied, contact us to set up a free initial consultation so we may aggressively pursue your claim!

What Is the First Thing I Should Do After My Accident?

Seek medical attention. Even if you think you may not be seriously injured you should see a doctor. You may be more injured than you are aware of at first, and you may not be fully compensated without a doctor's report immediately following your accident. Remember that whether you see a private doctor or go to an emergency room, you must always remember to give a full account of what happened to you on the job. If the doctor's records do not show this full account, it may cause long delays and much frustration as your case progresses. We are here of course to guide you through this process.

Will My Boss File My Claim for Me?

If you have a work-related injury or illness that results in lost work time of five full or partial calendar days, your employer must file the "Employer's First Report of Injury or Fatality" with their insurance company and the Department of Industrial Accidents within seven calendar days (not including Sundays and Holidays). The insurance company has 14 days after the receipt of this document to pay your claim or deny your claim. If your employer has not filed this form and is being uncooperative in regard to giving you the adequate information to enable you to file this form, contact us immediately.

Will the Insurance Company Pay My Benefits Right Away?

Many people think workers' compensation benefits are an automatic entitlement. This is wrong. You are entitled to make a claim. Sometimes the insurance company will pay benefits, sometimes it will pay you less than the maximum, and sometimes it will refuse to pay you any benefit at all. When your insurance carrier refuses to pay 100% of the benefits you are claiming, you may bring your claim before a judge. Only a judge can order the insurance company to pay retroactive and future benefits and can order payment for medical treatment, diagnostic tests, surgery, and reimbursement of your out-of-pocket medical and transportation expenses. We are here to fight for you, every step of the way. Contact us to discuss how we can help.

Our workers' compensation lawyers are here to make sure you get the maximum benefits available as soon as possible. We won't stop fighting for you. We are dedicated to protecting your rights as an injured worker. To learn more about how we can help you with your case, call us today at (508) 206-9900.