If you suffer an injury at work, you can feel like your life is topsy-turvy. You may not be able to work while you recover from your injury. You may need surgery if you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome or if you break your leg in a construction fall. You now may have a permanent disability if you suffered a spine injury in an accident as a commercial truck driver.
Seeking workers’ compensation
The first step after suffering a work injury is reporting your injury to your employer. By reporting your injury to your employer right away, you will receive your workers’ compensation benefits sooner. Your workers’ compensation benefits will cover any of your lost wages and medical costs from your injury.
You also need to seek medical help as soon as possible after a work injury. You need documentation of your injury and a treatment plan to receive maximum workers’ compensation benefits.
Getting help with a worker’s compensation claim
You want to consult a workers’ compensation attorney if you have any problems receiving your workers’ compensation benefits or if your benefits are reduced. Your employer’s workers’ comp insurance provider may try to claim you suffered your injury outside of work or your injury is the result of a pre-existing condition.
You also should consult a workers’ compensation attorney if you suffer a permanent disability because of your work injury. You need to ensure any settlement for your workers’ compensation is fair.
Finally, if your employer is pressuring you to return to work, a workers’ compensation attorney can help you prove you still are recovering from your injury and should continue receiving your workers’ compensation benefits until a doctor clears you to return to your job.
Recovering from a work injury can feel overwhelming and frustrating. By taking the right steps, you can make sure you receive the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to, so you don’t have to worry about paying your medical bills and the time you need away from work to recover.