

Workers’ compensation applies to all types of job-related injuries, not just injuries suffered in traumatic accidents such as falls, machinery accidents, and vehicle collisions. Q: Can I file a workers’ compensation claim for a repetitive stress injury? With personal injury claims, the only question that matters is whether someone else’s negligence is to blame for your injuries. If you have a personal injury claim outside of workers’ compensation (either because you are an independent contractor or because a third party is liable for your injuries), then it is also irrelevant whether you were doing your job when you got injured. For example, if you tripped and fell down the stairs or slipped and fell in the bathroom, these are both accidents that will still most likely entitle you to workers’ compensation benefits. If you are eligible for workers’ compensation, you are entitled to benefits as long as you got injured “within the scope of your employment” – and this does not necessarily mean getting injured while doing your job. In most cases, it does not matter what you were doing when you got injured. Q: What if I wasn’t doing my job when I got injured? However, you may still be entitled to financial compensation, and you should contact one of your local work injury law firms as soon as possible. As an independent contractor, you are not required to report your injury to the company you work for – because you are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. If you are an independent contractor and you are asking, “I was hurt at work, what do I do?” your situation is different. Q: What if I am an independent contractor, not an employee? Here, too, seeking advice from a work injury law firm is the best way to make sure you protect your legal rights. But, if your report is incomplete or insufficient, then it might not count. Ultimately, the most important thing is ensuring that you report your accident or injury on time. Specific reporting requirements vary from state to state, and some employers have forms that they want their employees to use to report their job-related injuries. Q: How do I report my accident or job-related injury to my employer? Now that you have been stabilized, you will want to contact a work injury law firm to make sure you know what you need to do next. If you needed to call 911, then your medical expenses will likely still be covered – provided that you take the other steps that are necessary to preserve your claim. Q: What if I needed emergency care and didn’t see a pre-approved doctor?Įven in states where injured employees are required to see pre-approved doctors in order to retain their workers’ compensation eligibility, there are generally exceptions for emergency situations. Read the FAQs below to learn more about choosing a work injury law firm, seeking medical attention for your job-related injury, and protecting your claim for maximum compensation: FAQs: Steps to Take After Getting Injured on the Job Your attorney will also be able to file your claim(s) on your behalf, and he or she will work to maximize your compensation while you focus on recovering from your injuries.

An attorney who focuses on representing injured workers will be able to tell you if you have a claim (or multiple claims), what you need to do to protect your claim(s), and how much you are entitled to recover. Recovering Financial Compensation with the Help of a Work Injury Law Firmįor most injured workers, the best option is to contact one of your local work injury law firms right away.

It is also extremely important that you contact a local work injury law firm. So, if you are asking, “I was hurt at work, what do I do?” you are not alone. In fact, according to 2019-2020 workplace injury statistics, nearly three percent of full-time employees get injured on the job every year. If you are asking, “I was hurt at work, what do I do?” you should contact local work injury law firm promptly. Knowing what to do after a job-related accident isn’t easy.
