If I Get Hurt, What Should I Do?
Notify your immediate supervisor and request medical treatment as soon as possible. Also contact your human resources department and make sure a workers compensation claim is filed. Your human resources department may have specific actions which they will want you to follow.
Always refer to your employee handbook, issued by your employer, as a guide. Your employer may direct you to a specific medical provider who will handle your workers compensation claim. You may think your injury is not serious but it is important that you follow all the steps outlined by your employer. Keep in mind that some long term health issues may not develop immediately so you want to make sure you are protecting your future access to the work comp claims process by doing all that is requested of you. This protects your future rights.
What is the Time Limit for Receiving Workers Compensation Benefits?
When you have a workers compensation claim and receive medical treatment but don’t lose any time from work, your claim will normally close within one year from the date of your last medical treatment.
If your injuries were significant enough that you were off from work to recover and were collecting weekly benefits, you can expect your claim to close two years from the last date you received compensation.
Can I be Fired for Filing a Workers Compensation Claim?
It is against federal and state law for an employer to fire an employee for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
My Employer Does Not Have Workers Compensation Coverage, What Do I Do?
check with the governing body in the state where you reside for information concerning employers in violation of workers compensation statutes. Most states provide a mechanism for you to file a work comp claim directly through the state. However this will be state specific and you will need to check for your individual circumstance.
You will find that most states impose serious fines and legal action, including criminal action, against employers who do not fulfill their responsibilities to their employees.
