Why you should report your work injury immediately
If you are involved in a work accident, you may be unable to perform your duties. Thus, it’s crucial to get workers’ compensation benefits. In Illinois, employers should have insurance to cover employees in such situations. However, you may need to report your injury immediately to enjoy these benefits.
Here are three reasons for doing this.
Get medical help
When you report a work injury immediately, your employer will help you get medical help. This can prevent your condition from worsening.
Even if you believe you are not seriously injured, a medical examination is important. Adrenaline can distract you from the sensation of pain. This means you may not feel it, but with time, after relaxing, you may notice you were injured. Thus, it’s vital to report immediately to get treatment.
Report within the set period
The chances are your employer has a period in which you can report an injury. Reporting sooner ensures you don’t miss this deadline. If your injury is not that obvious, for instance, gradual back pain from sitting down for prolonged hours, you should report when you become aware of it.
In addition, you have a statute of limitations to observe. It’s crucial to understand these dates to avoid losing your eligibility to file a claim.
Starting the paperwork
When you report an injury, your employer will fill out the first report, which they will forward to the insurance company, who will then respond. Reporting your injury immediately allows this paperwork to start, and, in turn, you can act accordingly on time.
If you are injured at work, there are numerous benefits to reporting immediately. It will also help to get legal guidance to make informed decisions.