While getting hurt at work can be overwhelming, you need to act immediately to protect your health and rights. In Denver, workplace injuries are not uncommon, especially in industries like construction, healthcare, and manufacturing. No matter who caused the accident, Colorado laws make sure that workers who are injured can get compensation.
However, waiting too long to report or file claims can cause problems. Talking to an experienced workers comp attorney in Denver can help you understand your rights and get the benefits you deserve. A lawyer will make sure you do things the right way while you’re healing.
The following are the steps you should take after sustaining an injury at work:
Table of Contents
1. Report the Injury to Your Employer
One of the most important steps to take is to tell your boss about the accident. Make sure to report what happened immediately or as soon as you can. A lot of companies need a written report of injuries to keep track of accidents that happen at work. This report acts as legal evidence that an injury happened on the job.
2. Get Immediate Medical Help
You should see a doctor right away, even if you think the damage isn’t serious. A skilled medical evaluation makes sure you get the right treatment and creates a medical record of your injury. Your workers’ compensation claim could be at risk if you don’t have this documentation.
3. Document the Incident
For a workers’ compensation claim, it’s important to have accurate documentation. If you can, take pictures of the accident scene and any injuries that you can see. Get statements from witnesses and note their contact information. Write down information like the time and place of the incident, as well as what happened before it. This information will help your case; therefore, ensure you keep it safe.
4. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
You have to file a workers’ compensation claim in order to get medical benefits and wage replacement while you heal. You usually have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim in Colorado. To avoid delays, it’s important to quickly fill out the paperwork that your employer or the state agency needs.
5. Do What Your Doctor Tells You
Following your doctor’s advice is very important for both your health and your claim. Carefully follow your doctor’s directions, such as going to all of your appointments and taking the medication they prescribe.
If you miss appointments or don’t follow through with your treatment plans, it could negatively affect your eligibility for benefits. In the event that you do not go to the doctor as scheduled, your insurance company may argue that you are not badly hurt.
6. Consult with an Attorney
Although we mentioned it at the start of this article, it’s necessary we include it as it’s one of the necessary steps. Consulting a workers’ compensation lawyer is a good idea if you run into problems during the process.
A lawyer can help you fill out the necessary paperwork, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies. If a third party was involved in the accident, your lawyer can also tell you how to file additional claims for damages in court.
