“Maybe I’ll just wait, it’s really not that serious”
“I feel scared and overwhelmed, now what?”
“I’m not going to report it, I’ll see how I feel”
“I’m just clumsy my injury is my fault”
Getting hurt at work can be very stressful. It is essential to know how to report your injury correctly to ensure you get the medical care and temporary disability benefits you need. Here is an easy-to-follow guide to point you in the right direction.
Step 1: Get Medical Help Right Away
First things first, and I cannot stress this enough, take care of yourself. You and your health come before anything else. If it is a serious injury, call 911 or have a co-worker take you straight to the hospital. For less urgent injuries, go to the urgent care facility or the medical provider your employer sends you to. Make sure you follow the doctor’s advice and recommendations.
Step 2: Tell Your Boss
Let your supervisor or manager know about the injury as soon as possible. This can be a quick verbal report to start with, but make sure to follow up with something in writing. Report early, report often. I even recommend that my clients take pictures if they can, which helps keep everything clear and on record.
Step 3: Fill Out an Injury Report
Most workplaces have a specific form for reporting injuries. Ask your boss or HR for this form and fill it out carefully. You will need to include details like:
- When and where the injury happened
- The date and time of the incident
- How it happened
- Any witnesses
- The type of injury and symptoms
The key is be as detailed as possible.
Step 4: Turn In Your Report
Give your completed injury report to your supervisor or HR department. Make sure to keep a copy for yourself. This step is crucial for any future claims or disputes. Also, this helps you to recall details in the future.
Step 5: Follow Up
Check that your employer has completely filed the necessary paperwork with their workers’ compensation insurance carrier This ensures your claim gets processed and you get the benefits you need. If your employer is not giving you the answers you need, keep asking – often. Remember you are your biggest advocate.
Step 6: Keep Records
Keep a personal record of all your medical visits, treatments, and any communication related to your injury. This documentation can be really helpful if there are any issues with your claim. Recall is a tricky thing. You may think you know all the details when the incident happens, but will you remember the details if you have to recount them 1 or 2 years from now?
Step 7: Know Your Rights
Learn about your rights under New Jersey’s Workers’ Compensation Laws. These laws are there to protect you and provide support while you recover. If you run into any problems, you should consult a workers’ compensation attorney. As a certified Workers’ Compensation Law Attorney, I am uniquely qualified to provide personalized legal services and fight for the benefits you deserve.
Final Thoughts
Reporting a workplace injury quickly and correctly, according to your company policy, is key to getting the treatment and benefits you deserve. By following these steps, you can navigate the process smoothly and focus on your recovery. Remember, your health and safety come first.
