How to file a workers’ compensation claim

Injured Essex workers must complete six important steps in the pursuit of a workers’ compensation claim. You may want to keep this checklist handy, just in case an injury ever occurs.

First, you will need to report the incident and related injuries to your employer. Every workplace has an individual who is in charge of safety and health managers, and this is whom you should report the injury to. Your injury needs to be recorded in the company’s accident book, a record that all employers are legally obligated to maintain. When reporting the accident, do not make any comments about who or what was at fault; simply report the nature of your accident and the injuries suffered.

Second, seek medical attention immediately. Be sure to record any treatments received and any associated receipts. This record could be helpful in the event that your file a workers’ compensation claim. Third, collect names and contact information from anyone who witnessed the workplace accident if applicable in your case. Fourth, take pictures of the area where the accident and/or injury happened and take pictures of your injuries.

Fifth, write down what happened to the best of memory. Remember to do this while everything is still fresh in your mind. In your notes, write down your job, job responsibilities, what was happening when the injury occurred and information about equipment and tools you were using.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, do not admit to being at fault for your accident, and do not settle your accident claims before getting advice. It is not uncommon for an employer or insurance company to pressure an injured worker into accepting a settlement offer. However, the average worker may not have the legal knowledge required to evaluate the fairness of such a deal.

At Attwaters Jameson Hill, we are committed to protecting the rights of injured workers and educating them about their rights. If you have suffered an on-the-job injury in Essex, we are here to help.