Procedures for Workplace Injury Claims

Workplace injuries are common and if you are planning on making a worker's comp claim there are certain steps that will insure you have a chance of making that claim easier to win. 

The first item of business is to make sure your injury is written down in a company accident log.  If your company has more than ten employees law mandates an accident log.  If the book is not available, contact your immediate supervisor or boss.  Describe your injury and how the accident happened.  Also, give them the names of any witnesses to your accident.  These witness names should be added to the accident report for future reference. 

You should be asked to write down the details of the accident.  A description of the accident, the events leading up to it, and the direct aftermath will be needed if you should decide to make a worker's injury claim.  Write your accident details down as soon as possible.  Your memory tends to fade with time and you could lose important facts that could be important to your case.  You may need these details to prove your claim is legitimate and receive compensation for your medical bills and loss of wages. 

If it is possible, take photographs of the accident area and the surroundings.  These photographs could be important in proving carelessness or negligence of your employer or company.  If there were any machines involved, take pictures and write down accurate descriptions of it. 

You might be asked to see a company doctor first.  The company doctor will make an evaluation of your injury and report to the company.  It is advisable to have your own medical doctor examine your injuries as well.  Company doctors are…company doctors.  They will not have your best interests in mind.  If you see your own doctor, they will make documentation of your injuries and add their opinion to what the company doctor has told you.  This is important, a company doctor may advise you need is rest and your injury will be fine.  It is quite possible your injury is more serious than the company doctor realized.  Regardless, if your injury becomes worse over time and you have serious permanent damage your doctor will verify you sought outside medical care.  His report could be important in any worker's comp claim you may file.

Contact your boss and arrange for any sick pay you are entitled to.  If you are injured at work, you should be entitled to any missed wages because of the injury.  If you think there may be any complications, contact a personal injury lawyer who can guide your through the process.  The lawyer will be compensated if they successfully win your case regardless of the outcome.  This is the "No-Win No Fee Policy.

If there are any doubts or questions about your case, a trained and experienced lawyer will help you decide if you have a case worth following.  There is no reason you shouldn't talk to a professional if you will not lose a dime by doing so.