What to Do if You Are Injured in the Workplace
If you are injured in the workplace, there are certain steps you need to take in order to protect your rights. First and foremost, get the medical treatment you need. Then and only then should you move forward with your personal injury claim.
Injured in the Workplace? What Next?
Step 1) Seek Medical Assistance
As we said above, your first priority should be your health. Get the medical attention you need and then you can worry about the rest.
Step 2) Make Your Injury Known to Your Employer
It is important to notify your employer of your injury as soon as possible. Failure to report an injury in a timely manner can forfeit your right to workers’ compensation benefits. Some states require that notice to the employer be made in writing, while others allow a verbal notice. We recommend filing an incident report and putting everything in writing – be as thorough as possible. This way, there is no way to dispute whether or not you reported the injury.
Step 3) File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Next, file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ Compensation is a system in Maryland law to provide employees who have been injured on the job with a way to obtain benefits including, but not limited to, medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation and payment for lost wages. Your employer should provide you with a claim form immediately after you notify them of your injury. Fill out the “Employee” section and SIGN and DATE the claim form before returning it to your employer. Your employer will then complete the form and submit it to their workers’ compensation insurance company. Be sure you receive a copy of the completed form for your records.
The insurance company should mail you a status letter within fourteen (14) days.
Step 4) Seek Legal Representation
If you are unsure about any aspect of your case or you just want to be safe, you can and should contact a local, Maryland personal injury attorney.
Finding a Maryland Personal Injury Attorney
Jenkins Block & Associates has over 43 years of combined personal injury experience. We represent clients in all types of personal injury cases, including automobile collisions, slip and fall accidents, wrong death, workplace injuries, and brain and spinal injuries.
Contact an Attorney Today!
With four office locations throughout Maryland and Virginia, Jenkins Block & Associates is well-positioned to meet your legal needs.
If you have any questions about what to do if you are injured in the workplace, please contact Jenkins Block & Associates to make sure you understand your legal rights. CALL US at 1-800-243-2439 to be directed to the location nearest you.
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