How to Get Workers Compensation After an Injury

Being injured while on the job can leave long lasting injuries which are devastating to your livelihood and overall health. It can be confusing to try to navigate through the complex workers’ compensation system without someone on your side. Very specific rules and laws apply to workplace accidents and there may be several parties involved depending on your employer, where and how your injury occurred. 

If you have any questions at all about the process or feel that you are being treated unfairly, it is important to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. A workers compensation attorney can help you understand your rights and fight for the settlement you deserve. Be sure to seek medical attention and follow all medical advice and follow the procedures that your employer has laid out for workplace accidents and injuries. 

What to Do After a Workplace Accident

If your employer has not communicated procedures to follow after an accident, here are some of the most important things that you should do on your own to protect yourself when injured at work: 

1) Seek medical care – this is critical to begin the basis for your claim and to make sure your medical bills are covered if your condition worsens. 

2) File an accident report - your employer may have a specific form for this, if not make sure that you write down what happened and give a copy to your supervisor. 

3) Tell your coworkers what happened – you may find that your injury is a common occurrence and may be a safety issue that other employees have complained about in the past. 

4) Follow medical advice – be sure to attend all appointments and follow the doctor’s advice and treatment plan. 

5) Keep good records – keep detailed records and copies of all paperwork from each doctor visit, prescription or therapy visit. Save texts and emails with other employees regarding your accident and take notes on each phone call with your employer. 

6) Contact a workers comp lawyer – a workers comp lawyer will help you to understand the laws in your state and will fight for your rights if you are not receiving fair treatment. 

You should know that laws protect whistleblowers against speaking out about unsafe work conditions and you have legal protections if retaliated against for filing a claim. Talk with your personal injury or workers compensation lawyer about how to best protect yourself and your work comp claim as some employers will argue that you were not injured badly enough to require compensation or time off from work. 

While you do not need an attorney to apply for and receive workers’ compensation benefits, an attorney can help to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. 

Schiff and Associates has a successful history of getting our clients the settlement they deserve. We work for you on a contingency basis meaning we do not get paid unless you get compensation. Contact us to learn more about your rights under Ohio’s workers compensation insurance and to speak with a skilled workers comp lawyer.