If you have a work injury, your employer is required to pay for your lost time and medical expenses.
So remember, in the event of an accident at work, follow these simple rules:
- Notify your employer of all work injuries immediately in writing. Failure to fill out an accident report could jeopardize your claim.
- File a Form 30C with the employer and Commissioner's Office. This form officially puts all parties on notice and, if not contested, greatly simplifies the chances that you will get paid.
- Obtain medical treatment as soon as possible.All parties depend upon medical reports to know about the nature of your injury.
- Contact insurance adjuster about receiving benefits. Be proactive with your case. If in doubt about how to handle these discussions, contact an attorney, or the Commissioner, who can apprise you of your case.
- Discuss in detail medical options with your doctor. Do not be afraid to learn about your medical condition.
- Keep your employer updated about your disability status and when you are released for work. If you are disabled, your employer may owe you additional benefits. This amount may change when you return to work, even if you cannot do the same job.
- Explore vocational rehabilitation options if you can't work the same job, This is your responsibility to try to return to work once it is medically appropriate to do so.
- Keep track of all employment contacts. The insurance company usually asks for this information.
- Contact the Commissioner's Office when a dispute arises. The Workers' Compensation Commissioner is in charge of resolving your claim in a fair manner.
- Never "settle" your case without consulting a lawyer. An attorney can help you to determine your future risk and rights and evaluate your case to obtain a fair settlement on your behalf.
O'Brien, Shafner, Stuart, Kelly & Morris has been handling both state and federal workers' compensation cases for more than 40 years. There is no charge should you wish to discuss your claim with us.