| Getting injured on the job can be devasting | | | | benefits if you fail to comply with medically |
| physically, emotionally, and financially. Each of the | | | | advised restrictions. |
| 50 states has laws to protect you in the event | | | | 4. Cooperate with your employer's insurance |
| you have been injured on the job. | | | | carrier. Although insurance companies are paid by |
| Workers Compensation laws are designed to | | | | the employer, they have the obligation to follow |
| protect both the employee and the employer in | | | | the laws that are in place to protect your rights. |
| the event of an injury on the job. State workers | | | | You should be contacted by the insurance carrier |
| compensation laws provide guaranteed coverage | | | | within a few days of your injury. |
| to employees for medical care related to their | | | | 5. File necessary claim forms. Many states will |
| injury and, in many cases, provide guaranteed | | | | require an injured employee to file a claim for |
| compensation during and after the recovery | | | | benefits. See specific state information for |
| period. | | | | appropriate methods at |
| Employers are protected against lawsuits brought | | | | 6. Keep all medical appointments as scheduled. |
| about by employees that have been injured on | | | | You are the biggest factor in your recovery |
| the job. Workers Compensation laws do not allow | | | | process. Keeping your medical appointments will |
| an injured employee to bring suit against an | | | | also show that you are serious about recovery |
| employer provided the injury occurs without | | | | and adds validity to your claim. |
| involving negligence. | | | | 7. Participate in light duty or modified duty |
| There are some basic steps that you need to | | | | programs established by your employer. Failure to |
| follow in almost every state (see specific state | | | | comply with these programs may result in a loss |
| laws here). | | | | of compensation benefits related to your injury |
| 1. Report all injuries to your employer immediately | | | | on the job. The goal is to return you to regular |
| or as soon as reasonably possible. Most states | | | | duty as soon as medically possible. |
| have time limits for you to report to your | | | | An attorney is not required to file a workers |
| employer. | | | | compensation claim. Many workers compensation |
| 2. Seek necessary medical care. Many states | | | | departments will assist employees with the |
| allow employers to provide a panel of specific | | | | process of filing a claim however, if at any time |
| care providers that you must utilize for your | | | | you feel that you are not receiving the proper |
| treatment. Be sure to check the laws of your | | | | care and compensation that you feel is |
| state. | | | | appropriate, it may be time to contact a workers |
| 3. Comply with all restrictions placed upon you by | | | | compensation attorney. |
| your medical provider. You may jeopardize your | | | | |