My Right to an Advocate

Pursuing workers’ compensation, ADA protections, or other injury-related benefits often involves complex legal processes. Fortunately, you have the right to hire an attorney or other professional advocate to handle paperwork, negotiations, hearings, and appeals on your behalf.

Legal representatives help protect your rights by:

• Navigating bureaucratic processes
• Gathering supportive medical evidence
• Disputing unjust claim denials
• Negotiating reasonable settlements

Consider contacting an attorney if your employer denies benefits, tries to rush a minimal settlement, or violates other rights. Fear and pressure have no place in handling workplace injury claims.

Summary – My Key Rights

• Immediate emergency medical care
• No-cost treatment of work injuries
• Ability to file a workers’ compensation claim
• Prompt and thorough incident investigation
• Protection from retaliation for reporting
• Reasonable accommodations or alternate work
• Option to take medical leave
• Assistance from a legal representative

Injured employees should never have to struggle alone or accept an unfair outcome simply because they don’t understand their rights. Now that you know your protections under the law, you can advocate for the safe, ethical, and compassionate handling of your workplace injury claim that you deserve. Reach out for professional assistance if you encounter any violations or pushbacks on exercising these fundamental employment rights.

What to Do If You Get Injured at Work: Your Rights and Next Steps

Getting injured on the job can be scary and confusing. You may be worried about getting treatment, wondering if you’ll still have a job when you recover, or how you’ll pay your bills if you can’t work. This guide breaks down your rights and the steps to take if you suffer a workplace injury.

Reporting the Injury

The first thing you should do is report your injury to your employer. Failing to promptly report could negatively impact your ability to claim benefits later.

Here’s the process for properly reporting your injury:

1. Report it as soon as possible. Inform your manager or supervisor right away, even if the injury seems minor.
2. Follow your workplace injury reporting procedures. Most employers have specific steps outlined in an employee handbook.
3. Get medical attention and notify the doctor that this is a work-related injury. Having medical records from the start can help support your claim later.

Documenting what happened is also important.

• Write down exactly when and how you got injured, plus the names of any witnesses.
• Take photos of any unsafe conditions that may have contributed to the incident.
• Keep copies of any documents related to the injury and your employment.

“I was worried about telling my boss I got hurt, but reporting it promptly made the whole claims process much smoother.”

Do I Have to Report My Injury?

Yes, you are legally required to promptly report a work-related injury or illness to your employer so that they can file the claim with their insurance. Most states require reporting within 30 days. Not reporting may make you ineligible for benefits.