Even with the best safety measures, workplace injuries are a risk every employee must be aware of. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers reported 2.7 million injury and illness incidences in 2020 in the private sector. Employees in Utah who suffer injuries while at work can receive help through the workers' compensation program. However, not every person is familiar with how the system works. A single misstep in procedure when claiming compensation for a work-related accident can ruin recovery chances. Therefore, workers should know how to proceed from the start, even before involving a personal injury lawyer.
Inform the Employer
When an employee gets into an accident on work-related activities, the employer should know about it right away. The worker can report to the supervisor or the relevant authority at the earliest possible time. If the employee is not able to submit the report, a next of kin can do it. In Utah, reporting an injury after 180 days can invalidate a claim. The information can be verbal or written and must include the date of the accident, the cause for the injury or illness, the symptoms experienced, and the indication that it is a work-related incident. A dedicated personal injury law firm like Robert J. DeBry & Associates insists on as many details as possible.
Get Medical Attention
An injured or ill worker should then receive treatment according to the workplace guidelines. Companies usually have a list of medical providers workers can use for work-related injuries. The doctor should know that the injury occurred at work and fill a Physician's Initial Report of Injury or Illness. This form goes to the insurance carrier and Labor Commission. The worker should get a copy too, which a personal injury lawyer can use to file a claim.
The next step is for the insurer to open a claim. After a work-related accident, dealing with the compensation process can be tedious, and hiring a personal injury lawyer helps. Robert J. DeBry & Associates is one firm that helps workers handle all types of cases, from slip & falls to wrongful death.