No one expects to go to work and be injured. When we get up in the morning, we hold a belief that our workday is going to pass by as uneventfully as the day before. Unfortunately for many, that isn’t the way things play out. Being injured at work is not only painful, but it is the start to a sometimes drawn-out process known as workers’ compensation. If you are injured at work, there are steps to take to be sure that you are compensated for your injuries.
Notify Your Supervisor
The first thing to do, if you do not require emergency medical attention, is to notify your supervisor of your accident. In most cases, you have up to 24 hours to do this. Type up a report of the incident or fill out the proper form if required by your employer.
Medical Attention
Even if you think you don’t need it, you will want to visit a doctor. This is important for the workers’ comp process. You don’t know what you will feel like tomorrow, next week or even next month. If you decide not to see a medical professional, a judge or arbitrator may determine that you do not have a claim.
Acceptance or Rejection
Once you submit a report to your employer, they will submit a report to the state. They may also submit a report to their insurance company. You will be notified as to whether your claim is accepted or rejected. If it is rejected, you will want to seek the advice of an attorney who is experienced in workers’ compensation law in North Carolina or the state in which you were injured.
Hearing
If your claim was rejected and you file an appeal, you will be asked to appear at a hearing. Alternatively, your attorney may be able to appear on your behalf. If your claim is rejected, your attorney will be able to argue and present evidence on your behalf and your claim may be ultimately accepted.
If you need help with workers’ compensation in Charlotte, call our office. A member of our team will review the details of your case at no cost to you and advise you how to best proceed. Call now for assistance.
