Injured at Work? What to do Next
Injured at Work? What to do Next
Getting hurt on the job can be a nightmare. In addition to dealing with an injury, you might feel like your livelihood is at stake. Before you simply accept what your company tells you, after you are injured, make sure to follow the steps below.
Your first step should always be to inform your direct supervisor. This helps to establish that the company knows that you’ve been injured and that you followed protocol. In many cases, the company will make an attempt to send you to a physician. This will likely be a doctor of the company’s choice. You should get a diagnosis from that doctor, and then visit your own doctor for a second opinion. While the two may agree, it’s better to work with someone who doesn’t have a direct relationship with your employer.
Your next step should be to contact your employer’s human resources department. Your company likely has very specific procedures it needs to take, so always follow up with your company human resources representative. Only return to work if your doctor tells you that it is safe to do so. Your company’s response to the doctor’s orders should be in writing, especially if they go against your doctor.
Finally, you should reach out to Lebanon personal injury attorneys like those at Henry & Beaver. While your company might do the right thing in the end, you must realize that it is always in their interest to protect their own bottom line. Your goal should be to get proper compensation for your injury and to get your life back to as normal as possible. Only a good personal injury attorney will be able to help you with that.
Never trust that your company will handle your personal injury issue with your best interest in mind. Be proactive and speak to a personal injury attorney to figure out exactly what you need to do next to better build your case. While you won’t necessarily have to go to court – or even resort to the adversarial process – it’s better to be prepared. If you need help after being injured, make sure to contact the personal injury attorneys at Henry & Beaver at (717) 274-3644.