Workplace Injuries — What Should You Do?

If you have been injured at work it’s important to know the steps you should take immediately after the injury and beyond. Not only is your health and well being at stake, but also your ability to earn a living and support your family.

If you are the victim of a workplace injury, first and foremost seek medical attention. Aside from removing yourself from any dangerous situations or environments immediately after the accident, there is nothing more important than getting treatment for your injury as soon as possible.

Under Florida employment and workers compensation law, if you are injured at work you may be entitled to workers compensation benefits. Here are the steps you should take in case an injury occurs at work:
   
• Immediately report any work-related injury to your employer. If you require emergency medical treatment, obtain care first and then notify your supervisor as soon as possible after receiving treatment. If your supervisor is not available then report it to the next person in charge.
• In an emergency, obtain medical attention immediately – this may be the first step in the case of a serious injury where you may need to go to the hospital or call an ambulance.
•  In non emergency situations, ask your employer for a doctor referral or a doctor referral from the insurance carrier. Many workers’ compensation insurers require employers to obtain medical referrals for employees who have suffered a workplace injury. For serious injuries that require an immediate hospital visit, you can get the medical referral afterward.
• File a workers compensation Notice of Injury form within thirty (30) days of the work accident. You can obtain a workers comp claim form from your employer.
• You may be asked to provide additional information, and although your employer may assist you, it is your responsibility to obtain the information needed to support your claim.
• If you are unable to work because of your injury, you need to keep your employer informed about your medical condition, and return to work as soon as your physician allows you to do so.

If you experience a work-related injury, to protect your rights and receive benefits as quickly as possible, do not delay in reporting work-related injuries.

For legal advice on workers compensation claims in West Palm Beach and the surrounding areas in Florida, call the workers’ comp law firm of Attorney Louis P. Pfeffer today toll-free at 866-959-9237or fill out our online form (http://www.floridas-workers-comp-lawyer.com/contact-us.html).