1. INFORM YOUR EMPLOYER – Depending on the nature of the injury, report it to your immediate employer/supervisor before or after receiving treatment.
2. RECEIVE TREATMENT – Seek treatment right away and inform the doctor that the injury is work related. (You should NEVER receive a bill for the medical treatment)
3. EXPLAIN ALL SYMPTOMS TO THE DOCTOR – The doctor will take all important notes and will accurately diagnose you. Some injuries may not be as apparent and visible as others, but that does not mean that the symptoms won’t show up later.
4. FOLLOW ALL THE DOCTOR’S INSTRUCTIONS – The doctor will advise you on how to properly heal from your injury. Your employer cannot pressure you to go back to work prematurely or threaten you with disciplinary actions and termination if your doctor’s advice restricts you from returning to work.
5. CLAIM FORM – Your employer must provide a claim form and both parties will fill out the form and the employer will submit it to their workers’ compensation insurance company. This is referred to as a Workers’ Compensation Claim Form (DWC 1).
6. COLLECT EVIDENCE – If able to, take photos of the injury site before or after receiving treatment. If you are unable to, contact a friend, relative, coworker, or lawyer to collect evidence on your behalf.
7. CHECK FOR WITNESSES – If someone was present during the accident, make sure to get their name and contact information in case a witness is needed to tell their side of the story.
8. KEEP TRACK OF ALL PAPERWORK – Keep all records pertaining to the accident. This includes, but is not limited to, medical records, medical expenses, time off of work, insurance correspondences, and copies of the claim form.
9. CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAWYER & GET LEGAL ADVICE – Hire an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to assist you with gathering evidence and any legal advice pertaining to your claim.
10. REFRAIN FROM PARTAKING IN ANY LEGAL MATTER – Do not sign any forms, give statements, or partake in any other legal action without consulting your lawyer. Your lawyer should help you understand your rights and options throughout this process.
