What to Do if You Are Injured at Work

Steps to take if you are injured at work

If you are injured on the job there are certain steps that should be taken in order to protect your rights. 

Seek Medical Treatment 

First and foremost, you should seek medical treatment. This may be a visit to the emergency room if the injury is serious or to your primary care physician.  This will also ensure that there are medical records showing the nature, extent, and cause of your injuries.

If the injuries are not serious enough for emergency treatment, it is important to still seek treatment as soon as possible. The longer you wait to seek treatment the harder it will be to prove that the injuries were related to your work accident. 

Report the Injury to your Employer

Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, an injured worker has 45 days to notify their employer of a work accident. While that may seem like a long time, it is recommended that you report the accident as soon as possible. This is to ensure that the claims process gets started right away. 

Follow your Doctor’s Treatment Plan

Once your doctor has established a treatment plan, it is important to attend each appointment and follow the treatment plan. This not only helps ensure a swift and full recovery, but it will provide the necessary medical records to prove your claim. 

For instance, if your doctor orders you to be off of work for a certain amount of time or until your next scheduled appointment and you miss that appointment or do not follow up in a timely manner, you risk having your worker’s compensation benefits terminated. 

It is also important to note that if you disagree with your doctor’s treatment plan, you are entitled under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act to seek a second opinion from another doctor. The insurance company can also disagree with your doctor’s treatment plan and set up an Independent Medical Evaluation with a doctor of their choosing. 

Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Lastly, it is important to consult an attorney who can properly explain your rights. Navigating worker’s compensation cases can be tricky, but the attorneys at Adeszko, Abate & Green are here to help. Call us today for a free consultation.