What to Do After Work Accidents in Raleigh
Workers’ compensation is a social insurance program developed to help employees who have suffered injuries or illness at their work place. When an employee becomes injured in a work-related accident, his or her employer is required to pay benefits for the individual. These benefits are meant to cover medical and financial damages caused by the accident, such as hospital stay, lost wages, surgical procedures or medications.
Have you been involved in a work-related accident? We have some general information available below, but it is always best to contact a Raleigh workers’ compensation lawyer for a free consultation on your case.
What to Do After a Work Accident
There are certain steps you can take after a work accident in Raleigh or anywhere in North Carolina. The first two things you should do are:
- Inform your employer of what occurred
- Seek medical attention
These steps should be taken as soon as possible! When you seek medical attention, it is important to tell the doctor that your injuries were sustained in a work accident, as this will help ensure your treatment is billed under workers’ compensation. From this point, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions in regard to your treatment so you can begin the healing process.
Statement to Your Employer
Within 30 days of your workplace accident, you will need to inform your employer in writing of what occurred. This statement should include:
- Date of the accident
- Injury you sustained
- Description of what occured
Be sure to keep a copy for your records. If your employer does not report the injury, you should file a claim with the Industrial Commission within two years of your accident. This is typically accomplished by filing Form 18 with the Industrial Commission and a copy to your employer.
Making the decision to involve a lawyer in the workers’ compensation process may benefit the outcome of your claim. You should get plentiful information about your legal rights and what can be done to ensure that you have the best opportunity of receiving full benefits. A lawyer can help you with all of this and can represent your rights through the process of seeking workers’ comp benefits.
Speak with a Raleigh Workers Comp Attorney Today
To talk about the work accident you or a loved one was involved in, and to find out more about your options in seeking workers’ compensation benefits, call one of our Raleigh worker compensation lawyers at the Whitley Law Firm today.
