If you got involved in a workplace accident, you may have sustained serious injuries. These injuries may prevent you from doing your job and taking care of tasks at home.
Following a workplace accident, you may become eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. To preserve your right to these benefits, there are steps you should take after you get injured.
Report the situation
After ensuring safety, report the accident to your supervisor or manager. Clearly describe what happened, where it occurred and any witnesses present.
Seek medical attention
In 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1.8 million workers went to the emergency room for work-related injuries. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, seek medical attention. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and early treatment can prevent complications.
Document the accident
Write down the date, time, location and a description of what happened. Include any injuries sustained and the medical treatment you received.
Follow medical advice
Once you have received medical treatment, follow your healthcare provider’s advice regarding recovery and any necessary restrictions on your work activities. This will help ensure a smoother healing process and prevent any exacerbation of your injuries.
Keep records
Maintain thorough records of all medical bills, treatment plans and correspondence related to the accident. You should also keep a personal journal outlining your recovery progress.
Be patient with yourself following the workplace accident. It may take some time to recover and to acquire the workers’ compensation benefits you need to move forward.
