The Four Most Important Steps To Take If You Are Injured On The Job
Brian O Sutter
Personal Injury
If you experience a workplace injury, there are a few things you need to do right away to ensure you are protected. Worker’s compensation claims can be a long, drawn out process, and insurance companies and your employers will work together to avoid paying you a fair settlement for your claim. So if you are injured there are a few things you need to do right away to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for your injury. Here are the four most important steps to take right away:Report The Injury:
As soon as you are injured or in the case of a chronic injury or illness, have shown symptoms, you need to report the issue to your employer. If the injury is the result of an accident, in the state of Florida, you have 30 days to file a worker’s compensation claim with your employer. By law, your employer has to provide you with the proper forms to report your injury. Typically you will fill out form DFS-F2-DWC-1 and if you are unable to work as a result of your injury you will fill out forms DFS-F2-DWC-1a, and DFW-F2-DWC-3. If your employer cannot or refuses to provide you these forms you can get them and any other necessary forms from the Employee Assistance Office of the Florida Department of Worker’s Compensation on their website here: http://www.myfloridacfo.com/division/wc/publicationsformsmanualsreports/forms/. Make sure you keep a copy of these forms for your own record.
Keep Records Of Any Interactions:
Anytime you speak with your employer or the insurance company about the injury, keep a detailed record of the interaction. If possible, try to only communicate through email so you can have an exact record of any conversations. You also need to keep a record of any interactions you have with medical professionals during the treatment of your injury. Detailed records of these interactions can be used as important evidence if your claim is denied, delayed, or you have to go to civil court to litigate your claim. If you begin keeping records right away, it will make it easier if you need to refer to these documents at any point, rather than trying to remember all the details if an issue comes up.
See A Medical Professional:
If you receive a proper diagnosis for your injury right away, it will be much easier to prove the injury was a product of your work responsibilities. Though many companies will insist you see their doctor, it is also important that you see your own doctor to ensure you are getting proper care. Take the doctor’s advice and follow their instructions. If you do not, the insurance company will argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim since you did not follow your doctor’s instructions. Also make sure to keep record of any of these interactions and keep a copy of any associated costs for medical treatment.
Hire An Attorney:
Worker’s compensation claims can be difficult. Insurance companies and employers will often pressure victims to settle quickly and for less money than they need for their injuries. A good attorney will go over the details of your claim and help you negotiate a fair settlement. If your settlement is denied, they can litigate the case. So if you’ve been injured on the job, you should hire an experienced attorney like the professionals at All Injuries Law Firm. With 30 years of experience helping clients with their worker’s compensation claims, we know exactly how to help make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation and we will help you work through the worker’s compensation process from the time of injury until you get a fair settlement.