Unfortunately, people trip or things fall, leaving staff injured on the job. Getting harmed is never good, but in the office space, it can make the situation more complicated, requiring the input and advice from managers and insurance agents. Because the occasion occurred on their turf, they may be partly responsible. In these events, you may be offered workers compensation. What should you expect? How should you handle the incident? Here are three things to know about the recovery experience.
Immediately Tell Your Boss
Falls and cuts happen. That is the reality of the world. People simply cannot live in a bubble. However, if you plan to seek medical attention, then you can’t shirk them away, heading home and bringing up the incident days later. That diminishes the situation. As soon as an accident occurs, report it to the supervisor. Be very specific about the environmental conditions, what you were doing and what happened. Was something in the wrong place? Was water on the ground that shouldn’t have been? These details are significant.
All of this is going to be filed into a report, and you’ll want to have a copy. In addition, it may benefit you to snap pictures of your wounds as well as the location. These could be useful in gaining your full insurance claim. It is essential to hire an experienced personal injury claims solicitor to get the best outcome in your case.
Have Your Medical Evaluations When Asked
While you could go to your own doctor, you might want to speak with your boss first. Workers compensation, for instance, or the companies that cover it usually have specific places for you to go, and they may only accept the report from certain people. Therefore, find out before you obtain a medical bill. If you’re put on leave for a while, be sure that you keep up with checkups regularly. In fact, at some point, you, your employer or a lawyer may see that a functional capacity evaluation is performed by a certified evaluator.
This exam focuses on whether you can return to employment. The interpretation of the results may vary based on your usual office tasks. For example, someone who replaces or moves stock needs to have a healthy back and firm upper body strength. This test, usually completed by an occupational therapist, might check on your mobility, flexibility, strength and lifting ability. If the specialist deems you ready to return, then workers compensation ends, and you’ll be moved back into your position. It can also go the other way with the assessment proving the patient requires more time off.
Keep Up With Insurance Claims
Expect paperwork. You’ll be discussing many things with different departments and organizations. You might have contact with agents and well as someone from human resources. A legal team may even be part of the equation. To handle all of this, you’ll need to organize emails, letters, photos and x-rays. Did you hurt your neck? If you’ve been going to the chiropractor each week for adjustments then save every receipt and statement. Scan it into your computer, placing each file into a specific folder. Each one should be dated for record purposes. If anyone asks for evidence of those appointments, you’ll have the data readily available.
When you experience a workplace injury, act swiftly. Contact those in charge, and follow their guidelines.
