If you’ve been injured on the job – in the “course and scope” of your employment – you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits help cover medical bills, a portion of lost wages while you recover, and other needs that frequently arise from a workplace injury.
The Raleigh workers’ compensation attorneys at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A., are committed to helping each of our clients secure the benefits they deserve after a serious on-the-job injury. Our legal team includes Chip Younce, David E. Vtipil, and Joseph Baznik.
Both David and Chip are Board Certified Specialists in Workers’ Compensation Law. Mr. Vtipil has also been named among the nation’s Top 100 Injured Workers’ Attorneys and he has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America in the field of Workers’ Compensation Law.
Many people come in for their initial consultation and say “I wish I had known that earlier.” Our consultations are absolutely free and a way to educate yourself, even if you don’t hire us, you will know your rights. To learn more about how we can help you get the benefits you deserve, contact us today for a free claim review and advice about your legal options.
What to Do If You Are Injured on the Job
If you’ve been injured on the job, follow these steps:
1. Tell Your Employer
Within 30 days of the date of your accident, tell your employer in writing that it happened. A short notice that includes your name, the date, time, and place of the accident, and a brief description of what happened is often enough to give adequate notice. Your employer may have a form they prefer you use, or you can simply write a letter.
Has it been more than 30 days since your accident? Don’t worry – North Carolina law gives you up to two years to file your claim. Speak to an attorney to make sure that you are notifying your employer properly and promptly.
2. Get Medical Care
The sooner you start to receive medical care for your injuries, the more quickly you put yourself on the road to recovery, maximizing your chances of the best possible outcome for your health. Seeing a doctor also helps make a record of the extent of your injury.
Once you’ve seen a doctor and received medical care, it is important to follow all of your doctor’s instructions. If you are prescribed medication or medical devices, follow the instructions for using these. If you are scheduled for a follow-up appointment or for an appointment with a specialist or therapist, make sure you keep these appointments. You will help build a medical record that gives precise details about your needs and progress, you will help ensure that your benefits are not cut off, and you will also help speed your own recovery.
3. Keep Track of Your Expenses
Keep a list of the miles you drive to your doctor, physical therapist, or other appointments related to your accident. Often, the mileage you drive as part of your medical care after a work-related accident can be reimbursed.
Also, keep copies of your receipts from the pharmacy or from providers of medical devices. These are medical expenses related to your accident that can also be reimbursed – but only if you can demonstrate (with a receipt) that you actually paid for them.
4. Get a Doctor’s Note
If your doctor says that you must miss work for any amount of time due to your injury, get a note in writing that specifies which dates you must miss. If you do not have a written doctor’s note, you cannot claim disability payments for missed days.
5. Get Help from a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Your attorney can handle communications with the workers’ compensation insurer, investigate your claim, and help you establish your right to benefits if your employer or the insurer decides to challenge them. With your attorney handling your claim, you can focus on getting well.