This is Part 2 of a multi-part series on what to do if you’ve been injured at work.
Read Part 1 here.
Part 2 – Seeking Medical Treatment and Legal Assistance
Step 1: Get Medical Treatment
If your work injuries are significant and require medical care, obtain care as soon as possible. Be certain to make a record during your medical visit of all injuries you suffered in your accident. Advise your medical provider of the specifics of your accident: how it happened, when it happened, and why it happened.
Step 2: Follow Your Treatment Plan
Follow medical orders from your healthcare provider to treat your injuries. This includes taking medication prescribed, submitting to all recommended diagnostic testing, and following any “medical restrictions” imposed by your healthcare provider. Don’t assume that your injury will go away on its own without medical care.
Step 3: Seek Legal Assistance and Advice
If your injury is serious and likely to result in permanent impairment, set up an appointment with an accomplished workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss your claim. Virtually all WC lawyers will evaluate workers’ compensation claims and advise you of your rights in a no-cost and no-obligation case evaluation. More likely than not, you will receive invaluable information and advice in this visit.
Step 4: Hire A Lawyer
If your claim merits it, retain a workers’ compensation lawyer to represent you. Virtually all WC lawyers will handle WC cases on a “contingency-fee” basis, which means that the lawyer’s legal fee is based only on your recovery funds. If you win, you pay a fee. If you lose, no attorney fee is due. In choosing a qualified lawyer, always remember that some lawyers are better, and in some cases, much more experienced and capable, than others. The best lawyer will typically get the best recovery available on your claim and make the process easier for you.
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