When Should You Notify Your Employer of Your Work Injury?
When you suffer an injury at work, a plethora of questions and concerns come into play: How will I recover? Who is responsible for paying for my treatment? Will my employer hire my replacement while I am recovering?
With so much to concern yourself with, you may be tempted to wait before informing your employer of your injury. Do not give in to that temptation as it is counterproductive to securing workers’ compensation.
It’s important to understand your rights as an employee and how workers’ compensation laws are designed to protect you. This guide will help you understand when and how you notify your employer of your work injury.
When to Notify Your Employer of Your Work-Related Injury
So when should you inform your supervisor or employer about your work injury? The answer is – it depends. That’s because different states have different workers’ compensation deadlines. New Jersey allows you to notify your employer within 120 days of the injury. On the other end of the spectrum, Colorado only gives you four days to report your injury. For more deadline information for your specific state, consult with an attorney.
Some occupational conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis, develop over time. In these instances, the clock starts ticking when you first detect the work injury and how it impacts your ability to work.
Promptly Report All Work Injuries
Regardless of how much time your state allows you to report your injury, it’s always wise to report an injury as soon as possible. The most important reason to report your injury immediately is that workplace injury cases require you to do so.
Let your employer know about your injury at the time of the accident or as soon as you are aware of the injury. Never wait to see if you feel better because many claims are denied because the injured person did not report the injury at the appropriate time.
How to Report a Work Injury to Your Employer
Follow these steps to report your work injury:
- Tell your employer, supervisor, or safety officer about the accident in detail.
- Log the incident in the workplace register of accidents. Record the time and location the injury was sustained and detail the events leading to the accident.
- Seek medical attention promptly and report all injuries to the medical professionals who care for you, regardless of whether they are serious or moderate. This is an important step that may be used to grant compensation for your claim.
- Notify the appropriate safety officer.
Get Assistance from a Reputable Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you or someone you love has a work-related injury issue, schedule a free initial consultation with a skilled workers’ compensation attorney. Typically, one conversation is enough to determine whether or not you have a case. The attorney can answer all of your questions and let you know how the legal process works to get you the justice you deserve.
A skilled worker’s compensation attorney can also be an invaluable asset as you fill out compensation claims. Many would-be claimants make common mistakes on the forms that prevent their claims from being granted. A good attorney knows what to say to give you the best chances of success.