It is the duty of every employer to maintain a safe work environment for all employees and, while certainly many do uphold this duty, others might not. If you were injured on the job due to unsafe conditions, you can file for workers’ compensation benefits that will help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and time away from work during your recovery. Of course, given that this situation is probably new to you, it might be overwhelming and you might not know where to begin.
Here are the next crucial steps you should take in the aftermath of sustaining a work-related injury:
- Report the injury to your employer: Informing your employer of the injury you sustained at work should be among your priorities, particularly because it is a key element in filing a workers’ compensation claim. You must be as honest as possible regarding the incident, so do not try to sugarcoat the facts or overplay the damage. Oftentimes, cases are thrown out due to dishonesty regarding the injury and its severity, so stick to the facts to avoid jeopardizing your claim.
- Seek medical treatment as soon as possible: If your injury is extremely severe, dangerous, and requires immediate medical attention, this might be your first step. If you are not in need of emergency medical assistance, however, report the injury to your employer first before you visit a doctor. Workers’ compensation will cover your medical expenses even if it means having to reimburse you later for early treatment. Not only is seeing a doctor crucial for receiving workers’ compensation benefits, but it is vital for your health, so do not neglect to visit the doctor.
- Submit the necessary workers’ compensation paperwork: After you pay a visit to your doctor, you must file all of the required workers’ compensation paperwork to your employer. Your manager, a human resources representative, or your employer will be able to tell you what forms you need to fill out and where they must be sent. Do not be afraid of pursuing a workers’ compensation claim! Your employer is prohibited from taking retributive actions against you or firing you for requesting these important benefits. If he or she does seek to punish you for filing a workers’ compensation claim, you can and should seek legal representation to file a lawsuit against your employer.
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you have the option to appeal the decision. There are many reasons why your claim might have been denied and this can be a complicated area of law, so be sure to secure skilled legal representation to help you navigate every step of the process.
Milwaukee Workplace Injury Attorneys
If you were injured at your place of work, even if you believe it was your fault, you should contact a workplace injury attorney as soon as possible. You should not give in to the pressure of accepting a settlement or partaking in an action that might limit your compensation. The attorneys at Samster Konkely & Safran will fight for your right to the benefits you deserve. Our skilled team of attorneys in Milwaukee have the experience necessary to investigate your claim and determine an appropriate level of compensation. Reach out to us today to get started on your case.
Contact our office at (414) 404-5818 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a knowledgeable member of our legal team.
