by 
Getting hurt on the job is a common occurrence, and one that affects thousands of Americans each year. In 2013 for example, a whopping 3,007,330 occupational illnesses and injuries were reported. While it’s true that some jobs and professions carry a higher risk of injury, such as those involving manual labor or heavy equipment and machinery, even office workers are at risk of sustaining an injury while on the job.
If you’ve been hurt on the job, it’s critical to know what steps to take. Whether it’s a spontaneous accident or a chronic illness that manifests over time, it’s important to know and thoroughly understand your rights. In your haste to put the matter behind you and move forward in order to focus on your recovery, you may be tempted to settle with your employer’s insurance company. However, this is not advised, as these settlements are often far less than what you may actually be entitled to.
In order to file a successful workers compensation claim, here is a list of a few things you should do.
Seek medical attention
If you’ve had an accident at work or have developed a chronic illness as a direct result of working with hazardous material or a toxic environment, it’s important to seek the appropriate medical attention as soon as possible. Be sure to tell your physician that it’s a work related injury. If you do not seek medical attention within a certain time frame, you run the risk of not being able to file claim at all.
Find a work comp attorney
While finding an attorney may be the last thing on your mind while recovering from a work related injury, it should be one of the first. While it is possible to file a workers compensation claim without a workmans comp attorney, this is not advised. Workmans comp attorneys have a thorough understanding of intricate workers compensation law and can therefore help you navigate the legal process of filing a claim.
In addition, those who retain workmans comp attorneys have a greater chance of filing a successful claim and getting the compensation they deserve. If you’re having difficulty finding a lawyer, contact your state’s bar association for assistance.
