I got hurt at work: what should I do?

Posted in Workplace Injuries and Claims on April 24, 2018

Getting into a work-related accident can be painful, stressful and upsetting. This is particularly true if an injury is serious enough to warrant medical attention and time away from work.

If you are in this situation, it is easy to get confused and overwhelmed, and you may not know what you need to do to get the help and financial compensation you deserve. Below, we examine some critical steps injured workers should take after a work accident in Ohio.

Notify your employer

As soon as possible after a work accident, you should notify your employer. If you don’t report your injuries in a timely manner, it could be more difficult to collect workers’ compensation. There may be doubts that your injury stems from work, or you might lose your benefits if you do not file a claim within a certain amount of time.

Seeing a doctor

As explained in this article from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, you can see any doctor you wish for your first visit or in the case of an emergency. However, after that initial visit, you must visit a provider certified by the BWC if you wish to have your medical bills eligible for repayment.

Filing a claim

To collect workers’ compensation, you will to need to ensure that you, your employer or your doctor files a claim with your managed care organization or other system. This should happen within a week. If a claim is not filed properly, or if the BWC rejects a claim, you may need to file an appeal to have your case reevaluated.

If you have any concerns or questions about what to do (or what you should not do) after a work-related accident, it can be a good idea to consult an experienced attorney. Missteps and delays can jeopardize your benefits, so addressing issues as soon as possible can be vital.