No matter the nature of your job, you deserve a safe work environment. Unfortunately, workplace injuries happen all the time. If you are injured in the workplace in North Carolina, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation to take care of your medical bills and other losses.
However, it is up to you, the injured employee to file a workers’ compensation claim. And you must do this accurately and within the defined time frame, also known as statute of limitations. A workers’ compensation claim can be denied for a number of reasons such as inaccurate paperwork, insufficient evidence or missed deadlines, to mention a few.
Three things you need to do immediately following a work-related injury:
Inform your employer of the injury as soon as possible
Even if the work-related injury is not severe enough to warrant a day off, it is important that you bring it to the attention of your employer as soon as you can. If you are unable to report the incident due to the severity of the injury, be sure to have a family member of your healthcare provider inform the employer of your injury.
Seek medical attention
If there is health care personnel in your workplace, be sure to see them immediately for first aid treatment. If the employer advises you to visit a medical facility away from your place of work, ensure that you visit the facility as instructed. Never underestimate the magnitude of your injury. While at the doctor’s office, be sure to describe the circumstances that led to your injury or illness so it can be captured in your medical report.
Formally notify your employer of the injury in writing
Within 30 days of the injury, be sure to furnish your employer with a written statement about your injury. In this report, include the date and a clear description of what happened. It is important that you file a formal report of the injury even if your employer already knows what happened. If you are too ill to write the report, request a family member to do this for you. Remember to keep a copy of the report for your records.
Workplace injury can gravely impact your life and ability to work and provide for your family. If you have been hurt at work, it is important that you understand your rights and obligations so you can file a workers comp claim and get the compensation you deserve for your injury and damages.