A work accident can disrupt your life and leave you with painful injuries. How can you pick up the pieces and move forward from this point? You may know that you likely have grounds for a workers’ compensation claim, but do you even know where to start with this process? Knowing what to do after a work accident is an important component to protecting your rights as an injured South Dakota worker.
There are specific steps you will have to take in order to secure the workers’ compensation benefits you need. You may have to fight to maximize your claim and get the full amount of support that is necessary for a full and fair recovery. After an accident that left you injured at your place of work, you may want to take quick action to start the claims process and get the specific benefits you need.
What should you do next?
The aftermath of a work accident can be overwhelming. You may be embarrassed or unsure of how to proceed from this point. One of the first things you need to do from this point is to notify your employer of what happened. Keeping the accident to yourself and then trying to make a claim will not work. Of course, the most important thing to do is get whatever medical care you may need, especially if your injuries are emergent.
Even if you do not feel that emergency care is necessary, it may be an important requirement of your workers’ compensation claim. You will want to find out whether it is necessary for you to see a specific doctor per the terms of your employer’s workers’ compensation policy. This will also provide you with important medical documentation you may need to validate your claim and prove your injuries.
The information you need
After notifying your employer and seeking medical attention, you may then need to complete your application for benefits. While every situation is different, it is likely that you will have to provide details regarding the date, location and nature of the accident. You will also have to include information regarding the nature of your injuries and how they affect your physical capabilities, as well as what you need for recovery.
Navigating the workers’ compensation process is not easy. It can be challenging to know what to do and how to fight for what you need. This is why many injured workers find it beneficial to reach out for the support of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.