How To Communicate With Your Employer About A Worker's Compensation Claim
When you have suffered an injury, you might suspect that the injury is related to work. Before you contact your employer, you will need to determine whether your injury is work related. Once you have determined that it is, you will then need to figure out how to bring this up to your employer. Taking the appropriate steps will not only ensure that you receive compensation, but will also help you maintain a good relationship with your employer.
Read The Notices
Your employer is required to post notices so that you are informed of your rights. This information is often the most accurate because it is pertaining to your state and specific industry. The notice should include the name of the worker's compensation carrier, which you will need to know to file the claim. The notice should also include the state in which you can receive treatment and the doctors that you can see. If your employer does not provide you with this information, you should inquire about it.
Report The Injury To Your Employer
When you have suffered an injury, you will need to report to your employer. Even if you believe your supervisor knows that you were injured, you should be cautious by telling him or her anyway. If you report the injury in writing, you will then have a paper trail to verify that you told him or her. Some states even require a written notification. If you fail to follow this requirement, you may not receive worker's compensation benefits.
Explain in explicit detail exactly what happened. Describe exactly where you experience pain and explain how your injury has disabled you. You may also name witnesses in case your employer challenges that the accident occurred at the workplace.
Take Any Forms Provided By Your Employer
Your employer should provide you with any necessary forms. The form will include details such as the benefits available to you. You will likely need to contact a worker's compensation board for your state. There is usually a form you must fill out and mail. This will begin the process of your claim being processed so you can receive your benefits.
Don't Burn Any Bridges
Your employer is required by law not to retaliate for your injuries. However, even though you might be emotional after the injury, you will need to not burn any bridges by getting angry at the employer. Address any concerns you have in a professional manner, and your relationship with your employer will not be damaged. If you are unsure about about your ability to handle this case, you should consider hiring a worker's compensation attorney like those represented at http://www.ieworkerscompattorney.com.