Even in the safest work environments, accidents sometimes happen. When you have been injured or ill in the course of performing your work duties, worker’s compensation should provide you with the funds you need to handle medical bills and replace lost wages. It is the responsibility of employers to carry worker’s compensation insurance and to assist them in filing the necessary paperwork to use these benefits when needed.
Report Injuries and Illness Immediately
Whenever you have an incident on the job, be sure to notify a supervisor immediately. When it comes to employer liability Oregon requires all companies to carry worker’s comp insurance or they are subject to lawsuits if employees are injured. However, if issues are not reported promptly, it can be hard to prove that the physical issue is work-related.
Get Medical Attention and Documentation
Even if your injury seems relatively minor, get checked out by a medical professional to be sure there are no underlying issues. This documentation may be necessary to file a worker’s comp claim and can help ensure that you get the benefits that you need to cover your expenses. Obtain copies of any paperwork, as your employer or their insurance company may need them for processing your claim.
Obtain and File Necessary Forms
Speak with your employer to obtain the paperwork needed to file a claim with their insurance company. Talk to your HR representative to find out the process and timeline to complete your claim and stay in communication with them regularly if you are out of work. Most often, all paperwork must be processed through the company so doing what you can to provide everything necessary and keep your claim front of mind for HR can help speed the process along.
While no one wants to have an injury or illness due to their job, understanding the steps necessary to file a claim when the unfortunate happens will help take away some of the stress of the incident and give you peace of mind.
