What Should I Do If I Get Injured on the Job?

Nobody wants or expects to get injured while at work, but it does happen a lot. In fact, according to data collected by the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the state of Missouri racked up a total of 102,794 workplace injury incidents in 2019. All those injuries result in expensive hospital bills and lost wages from missed work—most of which often comes out of the injured party’s pocket. Therefore, if you are injured on the job, it is important you know your rights and what you need to do to get properly compensated following a work injury.

First Steps To Take Following an on the Job Injury

• Report Your Injuries

  One of the first things you’ll want to do if you’ve been involved in an accident at work is file an accident report. In some states, you have only a short time frame following the accident to file a report in order to be covered under workers’ compensation laws. If you are in an accident while working, be sure to file a report even if you think you haven’t been injured. This will protect you in case you start to experience symptoms in the period following the accident. Filing an accident report might also help your employer improve safety regulations, which could prevent someone from getting injured in the future.

• Visit a Doctor

  If you are injured on the job, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. If it is a serious injury, go to the emergency room immediately. If it’s not serious, ask your employer if there is a specific doctor you should see or if you’re allowed to choose the physician yourself.

• File a Claim

  It is your employer’s responsibility to file a claim with their insurance company if you are injured while at work, but they won’t be able to do so until you report your injuries to them. If you reported the accident, but only later discovered injuries, be sure to inform your employers as soon as you know you are injured. Follow up with your employer to make sure they filed the workers’ compensation claim and know that you are entitled to a copy of that claim, as well.

• Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

  Because there are a few exceptions to workers’ compensation claims, consulting with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer will let you know right away if your claim has any merit. For example, an employee will not be protected under workers’ compensation laws if the accident or injury occurs while the employee is under the influence or if the injury is the result of workplace fighting or horseplay.

Furthermore, your employer’s insurance provider is incentivized to reward as little compensation as possible. They will diligently review all workers’ compensation claims in an attempt to divert blame for the injury away from their client and onto you. However, having a knowledgeable, local lawyer in your corner who knows whether or not such exceptions apply to your case will greatly increase your chances of winning your workers’ compensation claim.

Your Local Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

If you’ve been injured while on the job, contact the lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau. We can help you navigate your workers’ compensation claim and will do everything in our power to get you the financial restitution you deserve. At Lanzotti & Rau, we demand no upfront charges and no attorney bills until you have reached a settlement. Essentially, we don’t get paid until you get paid. To schedule a free consultation or to learn more about the legal services we provide, call us today at 573-335-9300.