Workers’ compensation exists to compensate employees injured in the line of duty. If you have been involved in a workplace accident that requires medical attention and possible time off work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
However, the process is not so straightforward, and you can make missteps that could hurt your chances of enjoying these benefits.
Failing to report your injury
It is important to inform your employer in writing as soon as a workplace accident occurs. Failing to do so might draw questions about the severity of your injuries or their actual connection to your work activities. Furthermore, North Carolina law requires that a workplace accident is reported within 30 days. If that period lapses, your employer could dispute or deny your claim.
Not getting medical attention
Your well-being should always come first, which is why it is necessary to visit a doctor after a workplace injury. If you do not seek medical attention in a timely manner, you essentially have no proof that you were hurt. In addition, prompt medical treatment after an incident helps draw a connection between your work activity and your injuries that’s hard to dispute.
Failing to keep records
It is crucial to keep an accurate record of your workplace accident – where it occurred and the circumstances leading to your injuries. A detailed summary of the time you spent off work, and any other losses the workplace accident caused will go a long way toward affirming your case.
These common mistakes may jeopardize your workers’ compensation claim, and it is necessary to be aware of the steps to take following a workplace accident. Above all, it’s crucial to protect your legal rights as a worker. The accident may set you back a little, but with adequate compensation, you can get your life back on track.
