Getting hurt at work can be overwhelming, scary, frustrating. The workers’ compensation process that follows, though, doesn’t have to be. If you get hurt at work, there are five steps you should take to help the process go smoothly and save yourself additional financial, mental and emotional strain.
After Getting Hurt at Work, You Should:
- Report the incident and injury to your employer, verbally and in writing
- Document the accident and scene through photos, witnesses, etc.
- Ask your employer for its panel list of workers’ compensation medical providers
- Treat with the appropriate doctor, therapist or chiropractor—i.e., YOUR choice from the list, not the employer’s or insurance company’s
- Call 717-394-3004 to discuss your claim, get your questions answered and get advice and guidance, free-of-charge, from the firm voted #1 in Lancaster County 7 years running, GLS Injury Law.
Reporting and Documenting Your Injury
Let’s break down those first two tips for what to do after you get hurt at work. First, you need to report and document your injury. In the moment, when you’re dealing with an injury, this is a step that can sometimes get overlooked. But if you are able, it’s important to try to deal with this right away.
Provide a verbal and written account of what happened to your employer and be as detailed as possible. Basically, tell them how you got hurt at work, which body part or parts were involved and what symptoms you are currently experiencing. This is what they need to submit your claim to the workers’ comp insurance carrier, and it’s what the insurance company will ask about later. Any details you can capture with photos, witness statements, etc. will also help.
Choosing a Doctor to Treat You
After you get hurt at work, your employer is supposed to provide you with a copy of their panel list of approved medical treatment centers or doctors that you can see. If the employer does not give you a copy of the list, make sure to demand one. After you get it, review the list and choose the doctor that is the most qualified for your injury. For instance, if you have suffered an injury to a muscle, tendon, ligament or bone, you should see an orthopedic surgeon. If you suffered a spine injury–like a cervical or lumbar disc herniation, protrusion, bulge, etc.–make an appointment to see a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon. If there is not one on the list, you have a right to see the appropriate specialist of your choice, provided the treatment is reasonable, necessary and related to your work injury.
Moreover, your employer cannot sway you to use one over another. So many times, we see employers tell hurt workers that they must first treat with Worknet, MedExpress, Occupational Medicine or some other “medical factory.” This is not the case under Pennsylvania law: injured employees may choose their provider from the list.
Calling GLS Injury Law
After you get hurt at work, the last thing you need is more stress and worry. But going through the workers’ compensation claim process alone can bring just that. You should always consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney if you get hurt at work. At GLS Injury Law, we’re dedicated to fighting for the rights of those who get hurt at work. We offer free, no obligation consultations, so that you can discuss your claim, ask questions and completely understand the process. Having the best possible legal representation by your side can be critical to getting you all of the wage loss, medical and other workers’ comp benefits to which you are entitled. Call us at 717-394-3004.
