Some elements you work with can injure you. If you suffer injuries while in the line of duty, you can file a workers’ compensation claim. However, to increase your claim’s approval chances, you should make calculated moves from the beginning, including reporting the injury immediately.
Here are three reasons for doing this:
It’s easier to prove that your injury is work-related
Your employer’s insurance company may be unwilling to pay your claim, or at least fairly. Thus, they may find aspects that support their goal, and one of them is arguing the injury is not work-related.
To be on the safe side, you should report a work injury immediately. This way, your employer can see the injuries and go to the scene to understand what happened. If you clock out after being injured and then report later, your case may face challenges.
It makes it easier to get the medical attention you need
Your injuries may be more severer than you believe. Not reporting sooner or ignoring them may worsen the condition. If you report your injury sooner, your employer can help you get medical attention. After which, you can go home to rest.
It can help you identify witnesses
If you report your injury sooner, you can remember the people at the scene and inform your employer, who will collect witness statements while you get medical care. When you take to long to report, you may have forgotten who was around you. Further, even if you remember, your colleagues may not remember how the accident occurred, which means they may be unable to provide in-depth information to support your claims.
Workers comp is supposed to be an easy, no-fault system — but it doesn’t often seem that way to injured workers. If you’re struggling to get your claim approved, it may be time to explore your legal options.