5 Steps for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Getting injured at your place of work is a serious matter. If you or a loved one has been injured, follow these five steps to filing a proper claim.

1. Report your injury as soon as possible.Your employer should know right away if you’ve been injured at work. Filing detailed paperwork and recounting the story of your injury will make the process run more smoothly if these things are taken care of right away.
2. Follow up with your employer. This is a good way to make sure that your employer properly filed the documents detailing your injury. With workers’ compensation claims, timeliness is important, and if your employer is taking its time filing paperwork, your chances of making a fair claim and receiving proper compensation, could be in jeopardy.
3. See your doctor as soon as possible. A medical professional will also be required to fill out some paperwork upon examining your injury.  It is important to get them up to speed on the situation that happened at work—and make sure you tell the same story to your doctor that you reported to your employer.
4. Check your State’s workers’ compensation laws. Every state has different laws in regard to workers’ compensation. One detail you should pay attention to is the timeline for filing a claim. Also, re–read any details in your employee handbook that covers workers’ compensation on behalf of your employer.
5. Consult a lawyer. Don’t leave anything up to chance. At Friedman, Domiano & Smith, we specialize in workers’ compensation claims and will be happy to go over every detail of your claim with you. Have any questions or concerns? Call us today!