Work Injury Lawyers
Very few people expect to go into work and get hurt. However, as work injury lawyers from Rispoli & Borneo P.C. can attest, it happens more than you may think. That is why the law requires employers to carry workers compensation insurance. If you were injured at work, you may be entitled to workers compensation benefits. In order to receive those benefits, you have to take certain steps after your work accident.
Let Your Employer Know About the Accident
If you get injured at work, you are required to inform your employer. He or she will have you file an accident report. In New Jersey, you have to file the report within 14 days after the accident. If you don’t, you will not be eligible to receive workers compensation benefits anymore.
Collect Evidence
To prove that your injuries were a direct result from a dangerous condition at work, you have to provide evidence. That is why you should try to gather evidence as soon as possible. For example, if you fell down the stairs at work because of broken stairs, you should take photos of those stairs. It is also a good idea to write down everything you remember about the accident, such as when and where it occurred, names of witnesses and what you were doing when the accident happened.
Seek Medical Care
No matter what types of injuries you sustained at work, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. A doctor should give you a full assessment and then recommend the appropriate treatment. Keep in mind that your employer may require you to see a specific doctor.
When you see a doctor, be completely honest about what happened and include as many details as possible. Describe your symptoms and how they have affected your life so far. If you have any pre-existing conditions, you should disclose them.
Keep Track of Your Expenses
Workers compensation benefits can pay for your medical expenses and lost wages. To ensure that you are fairly compensated, you should track all of your expenses, including how many days you miss from work. You also keep track of your receipts for medical bills as well, like your doctor’s visits and prescription medications.
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
Whether your doctor suggests bed rest or physical therapy, it is important to follow his or her orders. If you stop treatment prematurely, you could put your health in jeopardy. You could also get your workers compensation benefits cut off.
Consult a Lawyer
Filing a workers compensation claim can be complicated, so it is wise to have an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer on your side. A lawyer can help you file all the paperwork on time and guide you through the entire process. He or she can handle negotiations with your employer’s insurance company and make sure that you are not taken advantage of.
Schedule a consultation with a work injury lawyer today to talk about your case.