When you suffer an injury, your first instinct is probably to panic, and understandably so. A work-related injury, whether minor or debilitating, comes as a painful surprise. But in order to protect your health and your legal rights, you need to take action. Failing to do could make it more difficult to get the benefits you deserve. The experienced Illinois workers’ compensation attorneys at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP can answer any questions you have about your claim.
What To Do If You’re Hurt At Work
Report your injury: You are required to inform your employer that you were injured. Failing to do so can put your right to receive workers’ compensation benefits at risk. We advise informing your employer about your injury as soon as possible-in writing. This provides documentation that proves you met reporting requirements. Be sure to follow your employer’s procedure regarding work-related injuries. And always inform management or your immediate supervisor. Telling your co-worker is not considered notification.
In your report, give as much as detail as you can. Include how you were injured and what you were doing when the injury occurred. Describe your symptoms, as well as anything that seems relevant. You may also be asked to fill out an accident report.
Get medical attention: You may think you feel fine, and that you don’t need to see a doctor. See one anyway. Some life-threatening injuries have no immediate symptoms, such as internal bleeding or traumatic brain injury. In addition, documentation of your medical treatment can help in your application for benefits. Be sure to tell the doctor who examines you that you were injured at work.
Talk to an attorney: Technically, injured workers don’t need a lawyer when applying for benefits. But the claims process is difficult, with many rules, and it is often found to be frustrating. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you file your claim on time, with the correct paperwork properly filled out. And if an employer or insurance company disputes your claim, the attorney can represent you at all hearings during the appeals process.
Our firm has been helping injured workers collect workers’ compensation benefits for decades. We know the law in Illinois, and we know how to deal with employers and insurance companies that challenge your claim. We fight for you every step of the way. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you.
