If you are injured at work, you need to notify your employer, supervisor or anyone in authority. When your employer is aware of your injury, they can initiate the claim process so you can receive your benefits.
But when is the right time to report a work-related injury?
As soon as possible
It’s not uncommon for employees to ignore minor injuries and only report them when they worsen. An employee involved in an accident that causes serious, visible injuries is more likely to report their case immediately.
Regardless of the perceived severity of a case, you should report it as soon as possible. If you sustain an injury from an accident, report it immediately. If you contract an occupational illness, notify your employer as soon as you know the nature of the disease and its relation to your employment.
Timely reporting ensures you receive immediate medical attention, preventing the condition from worsening. Additionally, it protects your rights to workers’ compensation benefits since you are legally required to notify your employer no later than 90 days from the date of the accident or when you knew or should have known the illness you contracted is work-related.
Further, reporting early can help you access your workers’ compensation benefits sooner, as your employer should investigate the incident and notify their insurance company immediately.
Timely reporting can help you reduce claim disputes. When you take too long to report things, crucial details at the accident scene can be lost, and witnesses may forget important information. Besides, your employer’s insurer may question the link between your injury and work, seeing that you were exposed to other elements outside work after the date of the accident.
Reporting a work-related injury or illness as soon as possible can help to better ensure you have a smooth process. Learn more about the steps to take when reporting to protect your rights.