Whether you work in a professional office environment or perform physical labor for a living, there is always a risk that you could become injured on the job. But do you know what to do if you suffer a workplace injury? Here are some tips from a Columbia injury law firm that can help you know exactly what to do should you become injured at work.
Get Medical Attention
Regardless of the severity of your workplace injury, it is essential to receive treatment as soon as possible. This may mean obtaining first aid or having a co-worker call emergency services to get you to a medical facility. It is important for the health care provider administering treatment for your injury to be authorized by the Workers’ Compensation Board unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
Notify Your Employer
As soon as you are able, it’s essential to let your employer know about your workplace injury, no matter how minor you may perceive it to be. Your employer will need to fill out a workplace injury report detailing the events that caused you to become injured. If an injured worker fails to notify his or her employer of an injury in writing within 30 days of the incident, he or she may lose the rights to workers’ compensation benefits. However, if you become disabled due to occupational disease, such as chronic back pain or carpal tunnel syndrome from prolonged, repetitive stress injuries incurred on the job, you must notify your supervisor in writing within two years of being diagnosed.
Complete a Workers’ Compensation Form
After sustaining an on-the-job injury, you will need to fill out a Form C-3 workers’ compensation claim in order to receive benefits while you are in recovery for your workplace injury, This claim must be filed within two years of sustaining an occupational injury or work-related disability. Failure to file this claim within the allotted time period may result in loss of workers’ compensation benefits.
Contact Our Columbia Injury Law Firm
If you have questions about next steps to take after sustaining an on-the-job injury, the office of Lloyd J. Eisenberg & Associates is here to help! We are the leading Columbia injury law firm and can help you understand your rights. Call today at 301-596-3636 to speak to an expert about your claim.
