Here Are the Next Steps You Should Take After a Work Injury 

This article originally appeared on mikegingerich.com

Getting injured at work can be a terrible experience. It’s often traumatic and overwhelming, and you might have to take time off to heal, which adds stress to the financial aspect of your situation. If you are the sole financial provider in your household, this can further compound your stress. One of the best things you can do in this case is to contact a work injury lawyer and work closely with them throughout the process. This can offer you peace of mind and help protect your rights as your claim is processed.

The worker’s compensation process itself can be complex. Every insurance company is in the business of making money. If there is a way for them to reduce or deny your claim, they likely will. Partnering with a work injury attorney from the very beginning can help protect the value of your claim and prevent denials based on clerical errors. Knowing exactly what to do in the event of a workplace injury can also work in your favor. While your employer may have signs posted, directions are not always clear.

Here's exactly what you should do after a work injury.

Seek Medical Treatment

The first and most important step is to seek medical treatment immediately. Report all possible injuries, even if the accident exacerbates an existing injury. You’ll want to ensure that you receive immediate and appropriate medical care for your injuries. Not all injuries are immediately apparent, so it’s always best to see a doctor after a workplace injury.

You’ll also want to ensure you follow all the doctor’s instructions regarding care for your injury. Any deviation can not only cause a denial for your claim, but can prevent you from healing properly. Following medical advice will also help speed your recovery.

Report the Accident

You’ll want to report the accident to your supervisor immediately. You must receive adequate and immediate medical care for your injuries but also report the incident to your supervisor on the same day. It is always best to report the accident to your supervisor as soon as possible.

They will need to complete a First Report of Injury Form (FROI) within 10 days of the incident report. You should also receive a copy of this report after they fill it out, so be sure to report all the details to your supervisor. It is critical that you fill out the First Report of Injury Formin its entirety and in a timely fashion for your claim.

Keep Accurate Records

Throughout the process, you should receive relevant data such as your worker identification number (WIN) and paperwork from the doctor. You’ll also receive copies of paperwork from your employer along with documents mailed to you. You’ll want to keep accurate and detailed records of everything, even mileage back and forth to the doctor and pharmacy.

Keep all pertinent documentation in one place, like a file folder. Take notes on the process and include receipts of any relevant care you pay for. This is all information your attorney will need, and it will help prove your claim. Take it with you when you see your attorney.

Partner with an Experienced Work Injury Lawyer

Call an experienced work injury lawyer who can properly represent your interests and ensure your claim is paid. Some claims may include a lump sum settlement, depending on the severity of the injury. The bigger your claim, the more documentation you’ll need to ensure proper processing. Remember, first get immediate medical attention, and follow the doctor’s care instructions regarding your injuries. Then, report the injury to your supervisor immediately. Keep accurate and detailed records and contact an experienced work injury lawyer early in the process to protect your rights and ensure your claim is paid in full.