Even in the safest of work environments, accidents sometimes happen. Fortunately, the law requires employers to have workers’ compensation insurance to cover the injuries of any employees who are hurt while at work. In order to successfully make a workers’ compensation claim, employees must understand what they should do after an accident. They should also understand that if the accident was caused by a third party, like the manufacturer of a piece of equipment, they also have the right to bring a claim against that party as well. If you’ve sustained a serious injury at work, it makes sense to consult with an experienced New York workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible.
Notify Your Employer and File a Claim
The first thing to do in the event of a workplace accident is to notify your employer. Even if it appears that the accident did not cause an injury or that it just caused a very minor one, if the accident is not reported, then the employer cannot implement preventive safety measures to keep it from happening next time. Also, some injuries may not cause symptoms until hours or days later, and if the accident is not reported and a claim is not filed within a certain time frame, it may be too late. You must make certain that your employer files a workers’ compensation claim, and you should get a copy of it for yourself. It is illegal for your employer to try to convince you not to file a claim or not to report an accident.
See a Doctor
For any serious injury, you should be taken to an emergency room. If the injury is minor, you should ask your employer if they have a certain doctor for you to see, or if you can go to your own. If you are not satisfied with the doctor visit, you may want to seek a second evaluation by another doctor. Even if you must pay for this yourself, it may be worth it if you believe your injury is more serious than the workers’ compensation doctor says it is, and you may then be eligible for greater benefits. Your own health insurance may cover this second doctor visit.
Call to Schedule a Free Consultation With a New York Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
Personal injury and workers’ compensation attorneys at Littman & Babiarz Law Office have been helping those injured at work in central New York for over 30 years. We have Law offices in Auburn and Ithaca NY, and look forward to supporting clients throughout Lansing, Watkins Glen, Owego, Elmira and surrounding Tomkins County, Seneca County, Cayuga County, Cortland County, Schuyler County, Chemung County, Tioga County, Yates County, Onondaga County and Broome County communities. If you need legal guidance related to your workers’ compensation claim, we’ll use our knowledge and experience to help you. Get in touch with us online or call us at 607-277-7527 regarding your free initial consultation today.