Here are five critical things to keep in mind if you ever find yourself injured while at work.
Report your injury immediately with as much detail as possible. Keep telling them until they fill out accident forms. Get copies of the forms if possible.
Seek medical treatment immediately with your family doctor if you have one. Tell the doctor that your injury is work-related and explain exactly how the injury happened. If a repetitive injury, explain what you do at your job. Then follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all medical appointments.
Get documentation of your work restrictions and keep a copy with you at work at all times. If an issue comes up about your ability to do a specific task notify your supervisor of your restrictions immediately. Don’t assume your human resources manager has informed every one of your specific restrictions.
You have the right to choose your own surgeon if surgery is recommended. Don’t assume the doctor your employer has chosen has your best interests at heart.
You have the right to receive compensation for the time from work you miss until you reach maximum healing from your injury. If it takes you more than a week to heal, keep that in mind.
Here are five critical things to keep in mind if you ever find yourself injured while at work.