If you have a work-related injury, there are a couple of critical things you should do right away to protect your workers' compensation claim.
Step 1: Report the Injury to Your Supervisor
First, you should report the injury to your supervisor preferably in writing. Written documentation of your injury report is essential for preserving your workers' compensation case and establishing a clear timeline of events.
Step 2: Request Medical Care
Second, you should ask for medical care immediately. In Missouri, the employer gets to choose your medical provider, so they should send you to someone right away.
What If Your Employer Doesn't Provide Medical Care?
If time goes on and they haven't referred you to medical care, you probably want to call a lawyer at that time. This delay in providing medical treatment could be a red flag that your claim is not being handled properly.
Protecting Your Workers' Compensation Case
In order to preserve your case, you need to:
- Report the injury to your supervisor
- Ask for medical care
If you do those two things, you've done what you have to do to start the workers' compensation process and protect your legal rights.
Key Takeaways for Workplace Injuries
- Report immediately: Always report workplace injuries to your supervisor as soon as possible
- Get it in writing: Written documentation is crucial for your claim
- Request medical care: Don't wait to ask for treatment
- Know your rights: In Missouri, employers choose the initial medical provider
- Seek legal help if needed: If your employer delays medical referrals, contact an attorney
Taking these immediate steps after a work injury ensures that your workers' compensation claim is properly documented and that you receive the medical care and benefits you're entitled to under the law.
