Have you been injured at work?

Do you want to know what to do next?

If you have been injured while working, one of the most important steps to take is to report the accident to your employer.

While reporting a workplace accident may seem straightforward, many individuals hesitate to do so when immediate medical attention is not required. Some may assume the injury will heal on its own or consider it too minor to warrant reporting.

However, failing to report a workplace injury can lead to significant challenges. Employers often deny claims that are not promptly reported, which can result in a refusal to provide necessary medical treatment or temporary disability benefits for time missed due to the injury. Additionally, workers’ compensation carriers may question why the incident was not reported immediately. Health insurance providers may also deny coverage for treatment if the injury is determined to be work-related.

It is important to note that many employers enforce strict time limits for reporting workplace injuries, with some requiring incidents to be reported within 24 hours. Delays in reporting can raise questions about whether the accident occurred at work or even happened at all.

Even if immediate medical attention is not needed, reporting the incident to a supervisor as soon as possible is critical. If symptoms worsen the next day or over the following days or weeks, timely reporting ensures there is no doubt about where and when the accident occurred. Prompt reporting helps establish a record of the incident and protects against disputes.

When reporting a workplace accident, employees may be required to provide a written account or sign an accident report. If written documentation is not requested, it is advisable to keep a personal record of the report, including who received it and details about the incident. If there were witnesses, their information should also be noted, as their accounts may be crucial in confirming the details of the accident.

Reporting a workplace accident immediately is essential to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring access to medical treatment and benefits. Every claim is unique and must be evaluated based on the specific circumstances. Szaferman Lakind’s Workers’ Compensation practice is available to address any questions regarding workers’ compensation claims and other legal issues.

For assistance, contact the team at 609-275-0400 or through the contact form on the website.