Work injuries can happen in any occupation, both white- and blue-collar ones. You can get injured by repetitive motion, falling objects, unsecured machines and tools, extreme conditions, sitting down for extended hours and slips and falls.
The Department of Labor and Training has a division that monitors the workers’ compensation system, protecting injured workers. If you are injured at work, here are three mistakes to avoid.
Not reporting your injury
You should report your injury as soon as it happens to your employer or any other senior. The injury should be work-related for you to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Your employer’s insurer may argue otherwise, and taking too long to report may support their claim.
Thus, when you get injured, pay attention to the colleagues around you, as they will be your witnesses. Then, head to your employer’s office to report the case. You should follow the verbal report with a written one.
Not getting medical attention
Regardless of the severity of the injury, you should get medical attention. Do not assume you are not seriously injured, and keep working. This may worsen the condition. A doctor should examine your injury to inform you of the next steps.
Signing documents without professional help
The insurance company representing your employer will want to pay you as little as possible. And to do this, they will give you a settlement. Besides, they may ask you to sign a document that can limit your right to file a lawsuit in the future. You should avoid signing agreements without professional help because the chances are they are not in your favor.
When you get injured at work, you should make the right moves. It will be best to get professional guidance to avoid these and more mistakes.