Steps to Take After Getting Injured on The Job
In 2022, work injuries took the lives of 5,486 workers in the United States. Even though a work injury is usually not fatal, it can prevent an employee from returning to his or her normal job. Due to financial obligations, most people cannot afford to miss significant time from work.
Many people do not know what steps should be taken to ensure proper compensation for their injuries. In this article, our South Carolina work injury lawyers provide a guide on what to do after getting injured on the job.
Seek Medical Attention
Work injuries are amongst the most dangerous, with injuries ranging from broken bones to head injuries. Some injuries cannot be seen, with symptoms only presenting once your condition has become critical. If you have severe injuries requiring immediate attention, you should go to the emergency room. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it is important that you visit an urgent care center or have your primary care physician examine you.
Report Your Injury to Your Employer
Following a work accident, it is important that you report your injury to your supervisor or manager. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may need to seek medical care before reporting the injury to your employer.
Once you report the injury, your employer will need to submit a First Report of Injury or Illness form to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. In South Carolina, you only have 90 days to notify your employer of your work-related injury. If you do not meet this deadline, you will be disqualified from receiving worker’s compensation benefits.
Get a Copy of Your Work Incident Report
You should ask your supervisor to prepare a written report detailing your work injury. A written incident report can help both the employer and employee review what happened while identifying potential hazards.
Unfortunately, not all employers are willing to prepare an incident report. If your employer refuses to provide an accident report, you should provide your own written statement on what happened. An incident report does not establish blame but provides an account of the accident, aiming to prevent recurrence.
Gather Evidence
Employees are eligible for workers’ compensation after missing seven days of work due to a work injury or illness in South Carolina. To receive benefits, it is the employee’s responsibility to provide proof of employment, pay stubs, and injury-related medical expenses.
In applying for workers’ compensation, it is also helpful to provide witness testimony. If an employee saw the incident unfold, this will help confirm the facts surrounding your accident.
Hire an Experienced Work Injury Lawyer
Filing a workers’ compensation claim following a workplace accident requires a deep understanding of South Carolina employment law. Following your workplace injury, you should not attempt to handle matters on your own. At John Price Law Firm, LLC, we will assist you in gathering evidence to ensure that you receive the full extent of workers’ compensation benefits.
Injured? Speak with Our South Carolina Work Injury Lawyers
A work injury can place you in financial hardship. If you have been hurt in the scope of your employment, now is the time to speak with our South Carolina work injury lawyers. Our legal team is ready to help you recover the compensation that is rightfully yours. Give us a call today or complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.