Did you know that in 2019, there were 2.8 million reported workplace injuries?
If you compare it to incidence rates from the 1970s, though, you’ll realize that 2.8 million is pretty small. Still, as a business owner or employee, you should know that on-the-job injuries have financial consequences.
That means if you’re running a business, you need to minimize your risks, and if you’re an employee, you need to be familiar with your company’s incident reporting procedure.
Here, we’ll discuss filing workplace injury reports, their importance, and what to do if your employer refuses to file your workers’ compensation claim.
When and How to Report an Injury at Work
Let’s say you suffered from slip and fall at work. Do you know when to report it?
Besides knowing how to report an injury, remember that timing is just as important. The earlier you give notice to your employer, the better. If you miss the window for reporting injuries, you could have your workers’ comp claim denied or reduced.
When you need to notify your employer will depend on the state you live in. As for the process of reporting an injury, you can give written notice or fill out a specific accident report form. Be sure your report contains complete details, including your contact information, time, date, location of your accident, and the symptoms you’re experiencing.
Why Workplace Injury Reports Are Essential
Even minor accidents are worth reporting because some injuries don’t manifest immediate symptoms. If you don’t notify your employer about your injury after it happens, you might not be eligible to receive medical treatment and benefits when you experience symptoms later on.
There are also cases when companies reprimand their employees for not reporting accidents. Some even suspend workers without pay. Keep in mind that they do this because they want to protect their business.
Through workplace injury reports, companies can identify workplace hazards. They can then implement corrective action plans to reduce or eliminate these hazards, and of course, give injured employees proper treatment.
Is Your Employer Not Filing Your Workers’ Comp Claim?
Any employer who doesn’t file an employee’s “First Report of Injury” breaks the law. But what if your employer claims to have missed the deadline for filing? Does that mean you can sue them?
It’s a bit tricky, which is why you need to stay on top of the situation. If your employer doesn’t file your report, you can file a separate claim. Be sure to download a claim form from your state board’s website, then hire an attorney to handle the paperwork.
Now, if you’re not sure why you should work with a lawyer, don’t forget that you deserve to be safe while you’re in your place of employment. If you get into an accident, your employer should pay for your treatment, and if they refuse to do so, it’s best to have experts fighting for you.
Protect Your Right to Be Safe
No employee wants to get injured, but sometimes accidents happen.
If you get injured while working, remember that workplace injury reports can help you get proper compensation and treatment. For more articles like this, don’t forget to browse our site.
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