Most employers have enforced safety measures that are meant to prevent work-related injuries. However, if you are injured when working, you should take the necessary steps to protect your rights and ensure that you are safe at the end of the day. Some employees get injured at work and keep it a secret since they fear that they would hurt the manager’s feelings or far worse, they might lose their job. 

You must get justice, and you can never compromise on your health. Here is a list of things that you should do when you are injured while working. 

Get First Aid

First, you should seek medical assistance as soon as possible. If you have burns, scrapes, or minor cuts, ask your fellow employees to perform first aid treatment to stop the bleeding. As soon as you are done with first aid, you should rush to the hospital where professionals will analyze the extent of your injury. 

Record your Injury

If you are stable, it would be wise if you asked witnesses to take notes of the events that transpired and share the notes. Also, you should record your statement and collect the contact details of all eyewitnesses. Ask a fellow employee to take photos of the injury and the factors that caused the accident. You will need the statements and pictures as evidence when filing a compensation claim. 

Report the incident

Inform your supervisor or employer that you got injured. You can make a written statement, and when writing it, ensure that you highlight the place where you were working, your employment status, and factors that you believe, led to the accident. If you fail to inform your employer 30 days after the incident, then you might lose the employee compensation benefits rights. However, if the injury resulted in occupational disease, then, the law allows you to issue a notification in two years. 

Make an Injury Claim

It’s your right to seek compensation for a work-related injury that was a result of your employer’s negligence. The process can take a long time, and it could be complicated, hence its always advisable to seek legal assistance from an attorney. Say, you live in Kentucky, and as a result of the work-related injury, bills are piling up, your mortgage is due, and you can’t work. A specialist solicitor will help you get the right compensation for your injuries. There are time limits when making a claim, and the workers compensation lawyers in kentucky will help you navigate the complicated system. A good lawyer will help you deal with numerous procedural issues and technicalities that make it challenging to obtain the benefits you need. 

Record the Incident in the Company Books

Companies that have more than ten employees are required by law to have an accident book. Ask your lawyer or a friend to ensure that the incident was recorded in the accident. If the company doesn’t have an accident book, take note of the accident details, then send it to your employer and keep a copy. 

Check Whether you are Eligible for Benefits

Analyze your employment contract and check whether you are eligible for medical care or whether your employer is entitled to give you a contractual sick pay. If your employer didn’t employ you under a contract, or if the agreement lacks provisions for sick pay, check the staff handbook or request your employer to issue you the employment terms. If you are an agency employee, then you are entitled to get a Statutory sick pay for up to a month. If you are not eligible for statutory sick pay, then you can demand other benefits. Besides, if you are self-employed and you have an insurance policy, you can file a compensation claim with your insurance company. 

Things to Do Afterwards

If you are under medication, take your time and follow the doctor’s prescription until you get fully recovered. You can rest knowing that an experienced lawyer is handling your case. Besides, book appointments at a health facility and attend all medical exams. When you are fit, you can go back to work. Moreover, ensure that you attend all court proceedings and seek compensation for the pain and suffering that you went through. 

Work injuries are not your fault, and it’s not your duty to protect your employer’s emotions when your health and safety are at stake. In case you are involved in a work-related injury, its always advisable to seek legal counsel from an experienced attorney who will help you navigate the complicated justice system and ensure that you receive your rightful compensation.

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