Workplace injuries are far more common than you might think, an enduring one can be overwhelming. Adding to the frustration, it can often feel as though the processes benefit the employer and their insurance company more than the injured employee. It is important to understand your rights when in this position, so the attorneys at Scott & Wallace have compiled an easy-to-follow three step guide to reference for anyone injured on the job.
1. Request Medical Assistance Right Away
First and foremost, if the injury requires immediate medical attention, you should call an ambulance or have someone near you make the call on your behalf. If you’re able to, a drive to the emergency room or an urgent care facility will suffice. Your well-being is most important. You may still be feeling anxiety and have elevated adrenaline levels due to trauma, leaving you unable to feel the full extent of your injuries, so it is important to take them seriously and have them evaluated by a medical professional. Secondly, the doctor will document everything. Those documents will then act as crucial evidence for your work injury claim. Besides reporting the incident and visiting a doctor, make sure you cooperate with your doctors and follow their instruction precisely. It is important to observe the treatment prescribed by the doctor and not deviate from that plan. Often times the severity of injuries can be minimized by the insurance company if you are not following the treatment plan set forth by a doctor.
2. Notify Your Supervisor or Employer
After seeking the necessary medical care, you should also contact your coworker, supervisor, or employer if possible. If not, ask someone to do that for you, as this will help your case later.
In the meantime, here’s a tip — don’t talk to the press or media and avoid posting on social media. The only people you should be discussing your injury with are your doctor, your attorney, and your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier. Your health is most important so stay in close contact with your doctor. Your attorney will help you plan out your every legal step to ensure the highest possible compensation later on. Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier will be responsible getting you to the correct authorized physicians.
Insurance companies and defense lawyers mostly act in favor of themselves and the employer they represent, so any issues you may experience with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier may require the assistance of an attorney.
3. Call an Attorney
Contacting an attorney is your third and final step. You have plenty of other things to worry about in a situation like this, so it is best to call your attorney right away. The guidance an attorney can provide will take a huge load off of your shoulders. Don’t hesitate to ask them any questions that you might have. Your attorney and their staff will help you understand the process and should be your first point of contact for your case.
Conclusion
When you experience an injury on the job, the first three people you should contact are your doctor, employer and lawyer. Your lawyer is the one that will determine the success of your claim and ensure the process runs smoothly so you receive your rightful compensation.
If you’re in Florida, you can always give us a call and we will fight your legal battles for you. Our lawyers here at Scott & Wallace specialize in Florida Workers’ Compensation Claims. There are no fees or costs unless we win, so you have nothing to lose. Schedule your Free Case Evaluation – Contact Us Today.
