Work Related Accident

What Are the 5 Most Important Things to Do After Being in a Work-Related Accident?

Being injured on the job can be a stressful and confusing experience. It is important to know what to do after a work-related accident to protect your rights and get the help you need.

Here is a list of the 5 most important things to do after a work-related accident:

1. Report the accident to your employer immediately. You must report your work-related accident to your employer within 45 days of the accident. This is important because it will start the workers’ compensation claim process. If the employer is not notified, your claim may be denied. Make sure you write down the name of the supervisor, manager or other person in charge, so you have a record of reporting the incident.
2. Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t think you are injured, it is important to see a doctor after a work-related accident. This will document your injuries and make it more likely you will be compensated for your losses.
3. Get a copy of the police report. If the police were called to the scene of your work-related accident, get the incident report number or a copy of the police report. This will document the details of the accident and can be helpful in your workers’ compensation claim.
4. Keep a record of all your medical bills and expenses. You should keep a record of all your medical bills and expenses related to your work-related accident. This includes doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescriptions and any other treatment related expenses.
5. Contact a workers’ compensation attorney. An attorney experienced in workers’ compensation law can help you understand your rights and options after a work-related accident. They can also help you file a claim and get the compensation you deserve.

In addition to these 5 most important things, there are a few other things you should do after a work-related accident in Illinois:

• Do not discuss the accident with your employer or anyone else without first speaking to an attorney. Anything you say could be used against you in a workers’ compensation claim, which may reduce the value of your claim or even mean your claim is denied.
• Do not sign any documents from your employer without first reading them carefully and having an attorney review them. These documents could waive your rights to workers’ compensation benefits. Have an attorney review with you any documents given to you by your employer

Here are some additional tips for what to do after a work-related accident in Illinois:

• Take pictures of the accident scene. If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, including the damage to your car (if you are injured while employed as a driver), the equipment you were using when you were injured and any other relevant details.
• Get witness statements. If there were any witnesses to your work-related accident, get their contact information and ask them to write down a statement about what they saw.
• Keep a journal. Keep a journal of your injuries and symptoms, as well as any treatment you receive. This will help document your injuries and make it easier to prove your claim.
• Do not return to work until you are fully recovered. If you are still injured after your work-related accident and your doctor agrees, do not return to work until you are fully recovered. Returning to work before fully recovered, could make your injuries worse and could jeopardize your workers’ compensation claim.

Work related accident claims are governed by the Illinois Worker’s Compensation Act and have specific guidelines to follow for the claim to be correctly processed. By following these tips and contacting a lawyer experienced in this specific area of the law, you can protect yourself and get the help you need after a work-related accident.