What You Don't Know About Workers Compensation

If you are working a job for a company or a contractor and the job involves some type of physical labor, your chances of being involved in a potential workers compensation issue are very high. While workers comp can arise at any job, it is much more likely at jobs where you are on your feet a lot or working in potentially dangerous situations. And even though the possibility of requesting workers compensation is something that happens to so many people in the United States, many of us do not know how this process works. Here are a few things you should know about workers compensation.

1. Reporting All Injuries

Workers often believe it is a good idea to pretend they are perfectly healthy, even if something is wrong. Most people take this approach because they do not want to get fired, or get their superior in trouble. But if you do not report the smaller injuries you are suffering, you will have a harder time receiving workers compensation when something truly serious happens at work.

2. Visiting a Doctor

It is important to visit the right type of doctor when you do get injured. For instance, if you are injured at the job, your employer will probably tell you where to go. In the case of an emergency, someone at work will call an ambulance. But if it is not a time sensitive injury, your superior or the HR department will give you the information of the clinic to visit. Do not take it on yourself to visit a different doctor, as you should be doing everything by the book.

3. Get Proper Medical Records

We all tend to downplay injuries so we can get on with our lives. You may think that if you downplay what the doctor or medical staff said about your injury, you can get back to work the next day. Do not make this mistake. Ensure you are 100 percent honest about the medical treatment and feedback you received, and keep a record of all the relevant documents. Make sure you get copies of any x-rays or other tests done by the doctors, because you will need all this information if the case ever goes to mediation or court.

If you have any confusion about Workers Comp Law Rutland Vermont, it is a good idea to read through the state’s rules. This will ensure you are 100 percent prepared for any workers comp situation that may arise.

4. Always Assume the Worst

When it comes to workers compensation cases, it is a good idea to have a pessimistic approach. For instance, employers will often tell their employees that workers compensation is not possible in a case because the worker was responsible for his or her injury. If you are told it was your fault but you know that you followed the proper process, it is time to talk with a lawyer. Do not take your employer’s word as final in such a situation, because they may be simply trying to avoid a payout.