Sustaining an injury at work can happen all too easily. One day you are moving a heavy object and you throw out your back, you drop something on your foot or you cut yourself. Workplace injuries happen, but what are you supposed to do when they occur? This post will dive into the steps to take immediately after injury
Get medical help
If you find that you have injured yourself at work, seeking medical attention should be the first priority. Waiting to go to the doctor, or hospital, may exacerbate the problem. Get help when you need it and figure out how you will be compensated for it when you are able.
Report your injury
Most states declare that the last day you can notify your employer of your injury is 120 days after the incident, and Pennsylvania abides by this rule. However, Pennsylvania law also states that you have 21 days to notify your employer of a work-related injury. Similarly, most employers want you to report the injury as soon as you can; some may even want you to file a report before you seek medical help, if you are able. Reporting your injury sooner rather than later may help you gain compensation faster as well.
File a workers’ compensation claim
Pennsylvania requires most employers to have workers’ compensation insurance so that when you are injured, they can give you the financial help that you need. Completing and filing a workers’ compensation claim can help get you on the road to recovery as soon as possible.