Occupational Health and Safety: What To Do When You Are Injured At Work

During your employment at any job, your occupational health and safety could be at risk as you may be exposed to back injuries/sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), heavy tool accidents, repetitive stress disorders, slips & falls, cuts, lacerations and fractures. If you have been injured during job you are permitted to get worker compensation benefits, but first it is important to follow these steps:

Get medical care immediately:

- What could seem like a minor injury might end up being a more serious medical problem
- You may choose to visit up to two doctors and any subsequent referrals
- Make sure to provide to your employer, in writing, the contact information of the doctor and hospital that you choose
- You do not have to accept treatment from the health care provider your employer recommends.

Tell the doctor exactly how you got hurt:

- If the doctor recommends work restrictions, make certain you get them documented in writing

Keep your own records

– Record what happened in the accident and indicate if there were any specific physical conditions, such as a wet floor, which may have contributed to your accident

Notify your employer as soon as you can that you have been injured

– If you neglect to notify your place of work within 45 days, you may lose eligibility for workers’ compensation
- Describe all circumstances as accurately as possible, because your employer is likely to challenge your workers’ compensation claim
- Your employer has the right to require that you be evaluated by a particular clinic or doctor of their choosing

Request that your employer reimburse any medical costs and lost wages:

– You are eligible for up to 2/3 your average regular-time wages for the period of time you were unable to work
- Make sure you keep copies for yourself of all documentation, bills, paperwork, doctors’ notes, or anything else related to the injury and its treatment

Additionally, to ensure you have the best chance of receiving workers compensation, contact a lawyer specializing in workers’ compensation, especially if:
1. Your employer does not promptly address your claim
2. Your employer denies your claim
3. You need to pursue permanent disability payments
4. You need to pursue compensation for the workplace death of a spouse or parent

If you or your family suffers from work related injury, your employer-provided insurance company should be providing compensation during your period of recovery. Receiving all worker compensation benefits including lost wages, medical expenses and vocational rehabilitation costs can be rather standardized, but the amount of compensation is dependent upon your average weekly wage and the degree of your incapacitation.

At The Law Office of Bradley Dworkin, our Chicago, Illinois workers’ compensation attorneys have experience in handling all types of work injury related cases. Our attorneys are always ready to fight for you to resolve your case quickly and effectively. Contact us today if your occupational health and safety has been compromised, and we will put our considerable work injury expertise in your corner!

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Bradley S. Dworkin shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.

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