When you get injured at work, you may be unsure of what to do next. Perhaps you have only heard of workers’ compensation benefits as this vague idea that you were not sure truly existed. On the other hand, you may not be sure if your injuries are serious enough to warrant filing a workers’ compensation claim. If you become injured in front of your fellow co-workers, you may be slightly embarrassed and not want to make a big deal of your injury. Any of these thoughts are possible and reasonable, so it is important to understand when it is time to file a workers’ compensation claim and when you should seek help from medical and legal professionals.
When should you seek medical help?
To answer this first question, it is important to understand that you have no idea how bad your injuries are right after you get into an accident. Even if you think your injuries are minor, you should always seek medical attention after you have been in a workplace accident. This ensures you receive the treatment you need swiftly and it will help you in the future if you choose to file a workers’ compensation claim.
How do I know I need to file a workers’ compensation claim?
It is not always clear when an accident is serious enough to warrant a workers’ compensation claim. You should consider filing a claim if you:
- Were badly cut and needed stitches
- Became bruised very badly
- Have broken or fractured bones
- Needed a hospital stay
- Require more extensive treatment or rehabilitation
- Are unable to come back to work right away because of an injury
These are just a few examples, and lawyers, like workers’ compensation lawyers from a law firm like Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C. know that filing a workers’ compensation claim can help you get money back for expensive medical treatments and time taken off of work to recover.
If you choose to file a workers’ compensation claim, it is important to understand that there are deadlines for filing and if you do not file in enough time then you may risk your claim getting denied. While it is possible to successfully appeal a denied claim, a denial due to filing late will likely stick.
Get Help With Your Workers’ Compensation Claim!
If you are hoping to file a workers’ compensation claim but do not know where to start, do not hesitate to reach out to a local attorney. Workers’ compensation benefits can help you while you are recovering from your injuries.
