Injured at Work
Suffering an injury while on the job can be a distressing experience. Not only do you have to deal with physical pain and recovery, but there are also important legal and administrative steps to take to give any potential compensation claim the best chance of success.
Following the right process after a workplace injury is crucial to ensure your wellbeing, protect your rights, and receive the appropriate compensation. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on what to do if injured at work.
Priority one: seek medical attention
The first and most important step after sustaining a workplace injury is to seek immediate medical attention. Even if the injury seems minor, it’s essential to have a medical professional assess and document your condition. Visit your GP, medical centre, or an emergency room, depending on the severity of the injury. Be sure to provide a detailed account of how the injury occurred, including any contributing factors, to help the medical provider accurately diagnose and treat your condition.
Report the workplace accident
Informing your employer or supervisor about the workplace accident is crucial. Most companies have specific protocols in place for reporting injuries. Follow these guidelines and report the incident as soon as possible. Make sure to provide all necessary details, including the time, date, location, and nature of the injury. Reporting the accident promptly ensures that your employer is aware of the incident and can take appropriate measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Keep detailed records
Maintaining thorough records related to your workplace injury is vital for various reasons. Keep a comprehensive account of the incident, including any witnesses and their contact information. Document your medical visits, treatments, and prescribed medications. It’s also advisable to take photographs of visible injuries and any hazardous conditions that contributed to the accident. These records will serve as crucial evidence if you need to file a workers’ compensation claim or pursue legal action.
It’s important to note any other occasions where you’ve have raised workplace safety issues with a supervisor or manager. Incident reports, logbook or timesheet notes, emails or text messages can all be considered records to support a claim.
Complete necessary paperwork
Depending on the nature and severity of your injury, there may be paperwork and forms that need to be completed. Your employer or human resources department will provide you with the appropriate documentation, such as incident reports, workers’ compensation forms, and medical release forms. Fill out these forms accurately and thoroughly, providing all requested information. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your employer or legal counsel for guidance. It’s important not be pressured into signing any incident report or WorkCover claim for you don’t understand or don’t agree with.
Take time off to recover
Recovering from a workplace injury often requires time away from work. Follow your doctor’s instructions and take the necessary time off to ensure a proper recovery. Depending on the jurisdiction and the duration of your absence, you may be eligible for various forms of leave, such as sick leave, short-term disability, or workers’ compensation benefits.
It’s important not to be pressured by an employer to return to work before you are ready. Familiarise yourself with your rights and consult with your employer’s human resources department or legal advisor to understand the available options.
Do your own research to understand your rights
While it’s essential to follow the guidance of medical professionals and your employer, it’s also beneficial to conduct your own research regarding workplace injuries, workers’ rights, and the legal aspects involved. Educate yourself about workers’ compensation laws in your jurisdiction, the responsibilities of your employer, and the rights you are entitled to as an injured worker.
By doing so you can understand the reasons behind why your claim may be rejected, and work out how to appeal the decision. Becoming informed can also prevent you hastily accepting a lump sum offer to end the claim, when you may be entitled to a much larger sum in compensation.
Speak with our experts at Gajic Lawyers
Being injured at work is a stressful and worrying experience, causing understandable fears about your ongoing livelihood. But by taking the appropriate actions as we’ve outlined above, you can navigate the aftermath more effectively. Consulting with our experienced workers’ compensation professionals at Gajic Lawyers for valuable advice and guidance throughout the claim process.
