If you are dealing with an injury as a result of a workplace accident that was not your fault, it is important that you take the right steps to protect yourself and get the help you need. If you are looking into filing a workers’ compensation claim, follow along to learn how an experienced Queens workers comp attorney at The Law Offices of George Poulos can help you in following the proper procedure.
What should I do after my workplace accident?
To build a solid workers’ compensation claim, first and foremost, it is important that you seek medical attention immediately. Except in emergency situations, the chosen health care provider must be authorized by the Workers’ Compensation Board. In some instances, your employer may send you a notice that they require you to seek medical care from a participating health care provider engaged in a Preferred Provider Organization or Alternate Dispute Resolution program. Additionally, they may require you to get diagnostic tests and medicine from a participating institution.
Then, it is vital that you notify your supervisor about the injury and how it occurred as soon as possible. Usually, it is best to notify your supervisor within 30 days from the date of the accident, or otherwise as soon as you are diagnosed with a work-related condition.
After all of this, you should file a Form C-3, the employee claim form, and mail it to the closest Workers’ Compensation Board. If you do not do so within two years of your accident, you may lose your rights to benefits. With this in mind, we recommend that you speak to one of the skilled Queens workers’ compensation attorneys as soon as possible to evaluate your case and your eligibility for financial compensation.
What should I avoid doing after my workplace accident?
A common pitfall that could hurt the credibility of your workers’ compensation claim is if you do not accurately communicate with your doctor. That is, if you minimize your pain or the effect of your injury on your ability to work, the doctor could note that in your record. Exaggerating your pain or disability could have the same effect.
Another mistake is if you neglect to follow your doctor’s order. For example, if you stop taking your prescribed medications before you are instructed to do so, you could lose your workers’ compensation case.
Contact our Firm
The Law Offices of George Poulos is an experienced Workers’ Compensation, personal injury, and Social Security Disability law firm with offices in Queens and the Bronx. We understand the implications of a serious accident, which is why we take pride in tenaciously representing our clients. If you require strong legal representation, contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation.
