The First Steps You Should Take If You Get Hurt on the Job

Your injury was bad enough — now you have to wade through a seemingly endless legal process to get compensated for medical bills and time off for recovery. It can quickly become overwhelming unless you turn to a team of workers’ compensation experts. 

We’ve seen it all come through our office and have helped many navigate the choppy waters of workers’ compensation. 

Here, our team at Somers Orthopaedic Surgery covers the basics of workplace injuries, so you can relax about the process and focus on getting better. 

Get it all in writing

Your workers’ compensation case depends on detailed documentation at every stage of the process, starting with the incident report. Our doctors and your lawyer need the most accurate information if you want to get your full benefits. 

In fact, most laws require injury reporting within 30 days of the accident. Check with your employer for any specific documentation they require, and keep copies for your records. You should also speak with your supervisor to ensure you’ve completed the paperwork correctly and accurately documented the incident. 

It seems like overkill, but documentation is a crucial first step in building your workers’ compensation case. If your employer refuses to provide documentation tools, says it isn’t necessary, or doesn’t have any, let your lawyer and our team know. It’s against the law for employers not to give their workers access to official paperwork and documentation. 

We also recommend that you sit down and write out the details of the incident to remember every detail and avoid misspeaking when going through the legal and medical processes. Do this as soon as you’re able while the memory of your injury is still fresh. 

Make an appointment with us

Even if it’s just an achy joint that seems to be improving, we want to see you for all your work injuries as soon as possible. Prompt medical attention ensures that you recover fully and helps you produce accurate medical records, which are necessary, especially if you’re in a dispute with your employer.

Our office has all the necessary diagnostic equipment, so we can typically diagnose your injury on the same day of your appointment. Then, we create a detailed treatment plan and complete any paperwork your lawyer or employer has given you. 

Think ahead

Getting your full benefits and returning to work are only the beginning of your journey. You need a team of specialists behind you as you transition back to normal. 

We work with your employer and provide modifications and accommodations recommendations to help you and your employer understand your new needs in the workplace. 

We can also talk you through simple ways to avoid injuries in the future. The threat of injury always lurks behind every corner, so we strongly encourage all our patients in high-risk work environments to follow these simple strategies:

• Use all safety gear properly
• Know and avoid workplace hazards
• Inspect equipment and work site daily
• Dress appropriately for your job
• Take breaks when you need them
• Use proper form when lifting and moving heavy objects

You should also frequently communicate with your employers and supervisor about potentially unsafe areas and practices you see at your worksite. 

If you’ve been hurt on the job, there’s no time to wait. Start documenting your injury and call or click to contact one of our workers’ compensation experts today.