After being injured on the job, there are specific steps you should take to help ensure your injury will be covered by workers’ compensation and that you meet certain deadlines.

Failing to follow these steps may lead to your claim being denied.

Below, our Silver Spring workers’ compensation attorneys outline the steps you need to take after being injured on the job. For assistance with your workers’ compensation claim, schedule a free, no obligation consultation today.

1. Report the Injury

After a workplace injury, you should report it to your employer immediately by following internal procedures. While typically, an employee has 10 days to report an injury, it is best to do so right away.

After receiving notification that an injured worker must miss three of more days of work, your employer will have 10 days to submit an Employer’s First Report to the Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC). This report starts the statute of limitations, or time frame, for submitting your workers’ compensation claim.

2. Obtain Medical Care

You should seek treatment for your injury right away. Maryland Workers’ Compensation laws allow employees to choose their medical provider for treatment. The WCC’s fee schedule outlines how much physicians can charge insurance providers for certain types of services, so your treating physician must be willing to accept payment under the fee schedule or else you will be responsible for paying privately.

Employers can have an injured worker see a doctor of their choosing to determine if the treatment received by the employee’s chosen doctor is reasonable and necessary. However, you are not required to undergo treatment with the doctor of your employer’s choosing.

When you visit your chosen physician, inform him or her that your injury occurred on the job. Describe the incident that caused your injury and the symptoms you experience, including any pain or restricted abilities.

Seeing a physician ensures you receive the treatment you need to begin to recover. Your doctor will also determine if your injury prevents your ability to perform your typical work duties and will inform your employer of your limitations.

3. Keep Track of Expenses and Missed Work

Depending on the severity and type of injury you sustained, you may qualify for one of several types of workers’ compensation benefits. In most cases, your reasonable medical expenses and partial lost wages will be covered.

Because of this, you should keep detailed records of the time you miss from work and all expenses you have incurred related to your injury. This includes receipts from doctors’ visits, lab tests, surgeries, medication or medical equipment like crutches. Your medical records and receipts will be important for building your claim and making sure you receive the compensation you are owed.

4. Hire a Lawyer to Help with Your Claim

Hiring a workers’ compensation attorney will help you in many ways. He or she will protect your rights and assist you in gathering evidence to prove your claim.

Our injury attorneys have years of experience handling workers’ compensation claims and are familiar with the often-complex process of applying for benefits. We will guide you through every step of the appeals process if your claim has been denied or if you are having trouble getting the benefits you need.

We handle the details of your claim for you so you can focus on your health and recovery.

Schedule a Free Consultation to Learn More

Goldberg Finnegan’s workers’ compensation attorneys are well-versed in handling cases for injured workers. We work to recover the maximum compensation you deserve for your workplace injury.

Schedule a free, no obligation consultation today and learn the legal options available for pursuing compensation. We charge no fees upfront, and payment is only due if we recover compensation in your case.