When you’re hurt on the job, there are often serious complications that come along post-injury. Depending upon the severity of injury, employees can lose weeks of pay or possibly need extensive surgery as well as other medical care that they often cannot afford by themselves. Thankfully, workers who have been injured on the job are generally entitled to workers’ compensation. This covers physical injuries, occupational diseases or illnesses, and even certain psychological or stress-related conditions. So, what has to be done to file for workers’ comp?

Inform Your Supervisor Immediately and request medical treatment
Tell your boss what happened and fill out a company injury report. Delaying reporting your injury—even for a day or two—can affect your credibility to your employer or their work comp insurance company, and thereby your ability to collect work comp benefits. If the injury is one that develops over time, then contact your as soon as you suspect something from work to be the cause, or if your own doctor has told you it is likely work-related.

For example, carpal tunnel syndrome is a common work-related injury that can occur gradually. This condition is usually caused after repeating the same motions for a long time every day or falling heavily on one of your hands/wrists. Some employees who may suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome are assembly line workers, or anyone who works with vibrating tools, and a wide variety of other occupations. Similarly, rotary cuff injuries can also occur from repetitive work. A torn rotary cuff can result is extreme pain, difficulty with heavy lifting, and clicking sounds from the arm that’s been affected. This kind of damage is normally treated with physical therapy and medications at first, but if there is a complete tear, it will likely require surgery.  All of which can be expensive.

Missouri law says you are supposed to give notice of an injury within 30 days, but there are exceptions to that rule, such as if your employer had actual knowledge of the trauma you’ve experienced, and if you let them know about it as soon as you realized it wasn’t getting any better and you need medical treatment. It is in your best interest to report the incident in writing as soon as you are able to, and to request medical treatment sooner rather than later.

Contact an Attorney for free
Even if you have filled out a written injury report, you will still need to file your official Claim for Compensation through your state’s workers’ compensation agency, but you have to file it within a certain time period.

Some of the benefits that come from workers’ comp include paid medical bills and temporary work comp pay, or even permanent disability checks for the rest of your life. The benefits you have a right to as compensation vary by state, and by the severity of the accident, which is why it’s incredibly important to contact The Hines & Wilson Law Firm at 573-443-4500. We will inform you of your legal options, and help you take the best actions for your situation. If you’re hurt on the job, don’t just sit and wait to see if you get better, or try to handle it on your own. Get the financial compensation you deserve. For more information about workers’ compensation or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today.