If I get injured on the job, what should I do?
- Immediately report your injury to your employer and supervisor.
Notification must be done within a set amount of time as set by state law. If an injury occurs over time (for example, a disease or illness), you must report your condition as soon as you discover you have it and it is caused by your work. You should then complete the incident report on which you must describe your injury and how, when, and where it occurred. Save copies of all correspondence with your employer, its insurance carrier and your doctor concerning your workers’ compensation claim. You may need it later. - Remember to keep an independent record of the date, time, and nature of your work injury. Make a list of witnesses as well as the person to whom the injury is reported.
- Be sure to provide a complete and accurate account of the injury you sustained and how your injury occurred, as well as your past medical history.
- If your employer fails to accept your claims within 21 days of the date you notify them, seek legal assistance so we may file a petition for compensation. (Does not apply in Delaware)
- Should your employer accept your injury, be certain that the wages upon which your compensation is based is accurate.
- If your employer or the insurance company asks you to see another physician, seek legal advice immediately. This can be your employer’s first step in their attempt to either terminate your compensation or modify your benefits.
- Should you receive a petition in the mail to terminate, suspend or modify your compensation, immediately seek legal advice.
- NEVER sign a supplement agreement or final receipt without having it reviewed by an attorney.
What are my rights as an injured worker? You may be entitled to:
- Wage benefits;
- Medical care reasonable and necessary to treat a work-related injury or illness without any specific time limit;
- Choose a doctor under certain circumstances;
- Hire an attorney to help get benefits or to help resolve disputes; and/or
- Confidentiality
