INJURED AT WORK?

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE INJURED

If you suffer any serious injury on the job, no matter who is at fault for your injury, you are entitled to receive lost wages and medical benefits (If you are injured in a car accident while on the clock, the rules may be different). You must follow certain procedures, even if you’re not sure if your injury may affect your ability to work or have long-term consequences. Be cautious and smart when an injury happens. It’s much better to do things thoroughly now rather than make corrections later.

Take these steps:

Report your injury at once.

No matter how minor you think your injury is, inform your supervisor and human resources department immediately. Provide these important details:

• That you were hurt while working.
• Where you were when the injury occurred.
• The date and time of your injury.
• Secure witnesses to the occurrence.

See your doctor. You do have the right to see your own doctor (and unaccompanied by an employer representative or insurance company nurse). Your employer or its insurance company can also make you see a doctor of their choosing. Be sure to always get a work excuse from your doctor.

Keep a written journal. It’s your responsibility to record all that’s happening. Your notes should include:

• The date of the accident.
• Who was present at the accident.
• Who you talked to after the accident.