The thing with accidents is that you never know when they might happen. Millions of workplace accidents happen every year, and given that you spend the majority of your day at work, it is necessary to be prepared for such an eventuality.
Remember that, even if your employer holds workers’ compensation, receiving benefits after a workplace accident is not guaranteed, and you may need help to fight for it.
Below are some common mistakes you need to avoid since they might jeopardize your claim.
Failing to inform your employer
In Pennsylvania, you have 21 days to inform your employer of your workplace accident for you to start receiving benefits. Additionally, there is a legal limit of 120 days beyond which it is not possible to file a claim for benefits.
For occupational injuries which take time, the clock starts ticking when you discover or ought to have discovered them.
Not seeking medical attention
If you fail to seek medical treatment and downplay your injuries, you may have a hard time proving that they occurred in the first place. Seeing a doctor will ensure formal documentation of your injuries, which will help your claim.
Failure to record your accident
You need to record every detail of your accident. Document the circumstances that led to the accident, the date and time, and any eyewitnesses around. Doing so will ensure that you will not miss or forget important details regarding the accident when settling your claim.
Avoiding these mishaps will increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve following a workplace accident. Above all, it is crucial to be aware of your rights as an employee so that you can navigate the claims process confidently.
