Injuries at work can leave you unavailable to perform for weeks or even months. Know that, in some cases; you are entitled to workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation is a legal remedy whereby an employee who is injured on the job may be entitled to certain benefits. The benefits can include medical care for the injury, indemnity wage benefits, vocational rehabilitation services, and death benefits. These benefits are the obligation of the employer and are paid directly to the employee.
It may be the last thing you feel like doing after suffering a serious injury, but it’s important to take steps to protect your legal rights as soon as a workplace injury occurs. Here are a few important tips:
See a Doctor
You should see a doctor as soon as possible following an accident at work. If the injury warrants it, go to the emergency room. However, if you are not seriously injured, you should ask your employer if they require you to see a particular doctor or if you can choose which doctor to go to. If your company decides the doctor and you are not satisfied with how things went at your visit, you may want to consider seeing another doctor of your choosing. Make sure to ask for an “off work slip.”
Report the Injury to your employer
It is up to your employer to file a workers’ compensation claim with their insurance company on your behalf. They won’t know to do this until you let them know you are injured. If you reported the accident but didn’t know you wounded at the time, let your employer know as soon as you discover your injury. Follow up to make sure that a worker’s compensation claim is filed. You are entitled to a copy of the workers’ compensation claim filed by your employer.
Make an accident report and fill out a claim form
You might need immediate medical attention, but as soon as you can, write all the details about the incident and make a report. Be sure to fill the form out thoroughly, be specific, and keep a copy. No proceeding for compensation shall be maintained unless notice of the injury has been given to the employer within thirty days after the date of the injury.
Get a free legal consultation
Contact us. We can help you determine what benefits you may be entitled to receive.
During your consultation, we’ll also discuss various safety concerns and legal implications. Whether it’s understanding general safety guidelines, the specifics of child car seat laws, or the regulations surrounding texting and driving in Louisiana, our team is well-versed. We also address issues like the hazards of overloaded semi-trucks and how to navigate property loss due to hurricanes.
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In 2003, after being dissatisfied with the quality of legal care for victims of car accidents, Roderick ‘Rico’ Alvendia sought to establish a new firm focused on providing high-quality legal services to aid injured victims and their families. J. Bart Kelly, sharing Rico’s passion for upholding justice, joined the firm later that year, and established a partnership.
