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How to Handle a Work-Related Personal Injury

Unfortunately, accidents at work happen from time to time. They are unpredictable and sometimes severe. Whether you get your injury while operating machinery or dealing with harmful chemicals, you need to understand the legal procedure because some injuries can leave you incapacitated and unable to further work. Readout below to know how to handle a work-related personal injury.

Depending on the kind of work, some injuries can leave you terminally ill because of exposure to different chemicals and wastes.

Therefore, it is important to follow these legal procedures so that you have a legal chance to get compensation from the company for your troubles. In the case you are incapacitated, you may not be able to stay afloat financially. Here is a list of things you should do in the unfortunate case of a work-related accident or health issue.

1. Inform Your Supervisor

You must report the injury to your supervisor or the person in charge, and in writing, if you are in the position to write. This will help prove that you got hurt at work. It is also important to note that some states in the US only allow written reports of the injury, while some allow both verbal and written. 

Pathfinder injury law advises that you report the incident in writing and seek medical assistance, depending on the type of injury you have. All the procedures you follow must have a written and signed paper trail because they come in handy when filing for compensation.

2. Visit a Doctor

After you report the incident in writing, you should go and see the doctor. Most companies have a doctor on their payroll, and it is crucial to know if the company you work for has a doctor or if you are free to seek the help of any doctor you prefer. There are several procedures in place, depending on whether you are a federal employee. You must know the rules and regulations of your company before you opt to seek a personal doctor.

3. File for a Compensation Claim

There are procedures to follow in case of an injury because of the compensation the company owes you. After you see your doctor, it is essential that you file the claim so that the case is under review. Your employer should have the forms. 

However, you can also get the form from the workers compensation office or the hospital that treats you. Your employer has no obligation to offer you any compensation if you do not sign the form. 

Also, companies differ; some will easily give you your compensation, while others will drag the case out to the point of involving lawyers. If need be, it is advisable to get a lawyer to have a better chance of getting the compensation.

4. Workers Compensation Insurance

Unfortunately, some companies do not have workers compensation insurance. If you work for such a company, it is important to get a lawyer immediately because it complicates your case and increases the risk of not getting your compensation. 

In case you are not satisfied with the kind of compensation the company offered you, you can also file for a hearing where you state your case in front of a judge. The case will go through a review, and if the judge agrees with your demands, the company will increase the amount of money to your preference. This is possible because when the company is responsible for a terminal disease, you have to pay recurrent medical bills. Therefore, the compensation should be enough to cater to those expenses in the long-run.

Hire an Experienced Lawyer to Handle Your Personal Injury Case

Different states have different rules and regulations. Ensure that you understand the ones in your state. However, it is difficult for most companies to offer compensation to their employees because they are trying to spend less money than they make, and some lawsuits may leave them broke. 

Therefore, the process is often draining, both mentally and financially. Depending on how strong your case is, you can easily apply for a pre-settlement loan to help with the financial baggage that accompanies the compensation claim.