Ask a Workplace Injury Attorney: What Steps Should I Take Legally After Suffering an Injury at Work?

No matter how careful you are at work, accidents can still happen. Preparing to file a claim after being injured can leave you feeling stressed and worried about the outcome. But what would a workplace injury attorney in Houston, TX recommend that you do to get the best possible outcome? Read on to see advice on how to make your claims process as painless as possible, and be sure that you comply with the law.

Ask a Workplace Injury Attorney in Houston, TX: What Steps Should I Take Legally After Suffering an Injury at Work?

Report the Injury

You must notify your employer as soon as possible after the injury occurs. Under Texas law, you have 30 days from the day you received the injury, or the day when you realize that your injury or illness was caused by your work, but it’s best to do so immediately to ensure there are no issues with your claim.

Seek Medical Treatment

Don’t delay in seeking medical attention for your injuries or illness. Not only is this important for your health and well-being, but it also creates a record of your injuries and when they were sustained, which you will need for your workers’ compensation claim.

File a Workers’ Compensation Claim

In Texas, most employers carry workers’ compensation insurance, which provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job. You’ll need to file a claim with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier within a year of your accident or the discovery of your work-related illness. Make sure to complete all necessary paperwork accurately and thoroughly.

Document Everything

Keep detailed records of the accident, your injuries, and any medical treatment you receive. This includes medical bills, doctor’s reports, prescriptions, and receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury. If you are not able to prove what has happened to you and how much it has cost, this can seriously affect your case and your eventual compensation payout.

Follow the Doctor’s Orders

You need to your doctor’s recommended treatment plan and attend all medical appointments. This may seem like common sense; failing to do so could delay your recovery or even cause further damage to your health. However, not everyone knows that it may also make it more difficult to claim your workers’ compensation benefits.

Consult with an Attorney

While not required, it’s often beneficial to consult with a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney, especially if your claim is complicated or if your employer disputes your claim. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. If your workers’ compensation claim is initially denied or if you disagree with the decision that has been made, you have the right to appeal. If you wish to file an appeal, then your attorney can help you through the appeals process and represent your interests in court if needed.

If you are a subcontractor or technically count as self-employed but work in a workplace; for example, if you work as a specialist outside contractor on a construction site, then your case may have particular areas of complexity. In that case, you may need a lawyer to help determine who is responsible for paying your compensation claim. Click here to find out more about what benefits consulting with an attorney can bring.

All you want when you’ve been injured is to get the compensation you need to get back to full health. When you follow these steps and consult with a specialist attorney you can be assured that you will get the compensation that you deserve.