Most people who are involved in a workplace accident have no idea what they’re supposed to do afterwards. This isn’t something they teach you in school. And even thought your employer covers this in their employee handbook, it’s not something they focus on in training. Instead, they ask you to sign off on a form and affirm that you’ve read and understand the policy. The truth is that you never think you’ll get hurt on the job. When the unlikely happens and you do get hurt, you may be at a loss. The good news is that your workers compensation attorneys in Greenville know exactly what you need to do. All you have to do is call and talk to one of our associates and schedule your free, initial consultation.
Here, we’ll explain exactly what steps you should take after your workplace accident. We will also discuss why it’s so important that you do these things. The last thing you want to do is jeopardize the chances of having your North Carolina workers comp claim approved. It’s important that you have the medical care and replacement wages promised to you under this program.
Report Your Workplace Accident to Your Supervisor or Human Resources Director
No matter how serious or minor your workplace injury is, it’s important that you report it immediately. Not only are you required to do so per your company’s policy, but you also need to document that it happened. If there are witnesses, make sure you have them talk to your manager as well. This may be the only way to prove that your story is true.
If, for some reason, your supervisor isn’t on duty, go to your company’s Human Resources department. Talk to someone there and make sure they let you fill out an incident report. This way, nobody can dispute that the accident took place.
The other reason you need to report your injury is so that your Greenville injury lawyer has a way to prove your case. If your claim is denied, you’ll need to file a lawsuit against your employer. If this is the case, you’ll want your attorney to have as much information as possible to prepare your case.
If, by chance, HR isn’t available or your manager is not on the premises, report it to somebody higher up. This could be another manager within the company. Or you may be able to reach someone in administration. Make sure fill out an accident or incident report regardless of whether anyone is there to see it. This may be the only proof you have that something happened.
We also suggest you talk to a Greenville injury lawyer the same day as your accident. It’s not a bad idea to have a lawyer there by your side right from the start. Since the initial consultation is free, you have nothing to lose.
It’s Important that You Go for Treatment the Same Day
One of the biggest mistakes people make is not going to the hospital. This is the last thing you want to do. If you don’t go to the emergency room, your employer can argue that you weren’t hurt. And, if you wait and go to the hospital days later, the insurance company will claim that something other than a workplace accident caused your injuries.
You Must Agree to Be Treated by a State-Approved Workers Comp Doctor
Most states have a list of certain doctors who are allowed to treat people under workers compensation. North Carolina is no different. You aren’t allowed to see your own primary doctor. Nor can you pick one from the internet. You must agree to be treated by one of these state-approved physicians.
If you refuse to agree to this, your claim will likely be denied. If you see another doctor later on, there’s a good chance your benefits will be terminated. The truth is that there’s no reason to do this. If you don’t feel the assigned doctor has your best interests at heart, let your workers compensation attorney in Greenville know. They can always get a second opinion and let the insurance company know what they say.
You Will Be Required to Take a Drug Test
Depending on where you work, there is probably a no-drug policy in place. If you get hurt on the job, the first thing your employer wants to know is whether you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of your accident. It didn’t used to be this way. Unfortunately, with the drug epidemic being what it is, they need to protect themselves. If you refuse to take this test, your workers compensation claim will be denied.
The other thing you need to know is that if you do test positive for drugs, your claim will be denied as well. You are required to take the drug test prior to treatment. Your employer is not going to pay out benefits on a claim that involved intoxication. It wouldn’t be fair.
Make sure you’re honest and upfront with your Greenville injury lawyer as well. If you refused to take the test, let them know. If you tested positive for drugs, let them know. Even if it was a prescription drug, your claim can be denied. If they can show that you didn’t take it as prescribed, they will deny your claim.
Do Not Miss Any Doctor’s Appointments or Refuse to Do Physical Therapy
The reason workers compensation covers your medical care is so that you can recover from your injury and go back to work. This will never happen if you don’t participate in your treatment. You can’t miss doctor’s appointments. If you don’t think you can make it, call and reschedule it. You also need to go to physical therapy if your doctor orders it. The last thing you want to do is lose your benefits over something as small as that.
You also don’t want to make your workers compensation attorney in Greenville’s job any harder than it already is. They need to show that you did everything in your power to get better. If the insurance company can show that you didn’t cooperate with your doctor or physical therapist, it’ll be very difficult to win your case.
Call an Experienced Workers Compensation Attorney in Greenville Right Away
If you get hurt on the job, you deserve workers compensation benefits. However, you can risk losing your benefits if you don’t take certain steps after your workplace accident. If you do what you’re supposed to do and your claim is still denied, you need help. Call and talk to one of our Greenville injury lawyers right away.