Keep in mind your supervisor is not a workers’ compensation expert and most likely has no idea what qualifies as a workers’ compensation case under the law.
On many occasions we speak with employees who have suffered injuries to their low back, strains to their neck or tears to their knees and shoulders. After the injury they advise their superiors of the accidents but are ridiculed, made fun of or literally told they didn’t hurt themselves and told to go back to work. This type of treatment is unacceptable but unfortunately happens all the time. If it happens to you, keep the following in mind:
Don’t give up. If you believe you have been hurt at work and your supervisor refuses to report the injury, be persistent and keep asking them to report the claim. You can, and should, tell your co-workers, but you must report the injury to someone in a supervisory role. This means if your boss won’t help, go above them to their boss, to human resources or to someone else in a position of authority.
Don’t quit. Many employers want an injured worker to quit the job after an injury.As they see it, a quitter won’t pursue a workers’ compensation claim.
Don’t live with the pain. You have rights under the law that allow for medical treatment after being hurt on the job. Ask for medical care when you get hurt, even if you think your boss won’t like it. If you can afford medical care, get treatment and make sure you put in writing all injured body parts and specify that you were hurt at work.
Finally, if within a few days of the accident you cannot find anyone at work who will help immediately call an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. The dedicated workers’ compensation attorneys at the Law Offices of Franks and Koenig deal with situations and employers like these all the time. We can provide the legal advice you need to secure the benefits you may be entitled to under the law. If you or a loved one has been hurt at work, one of the workers’ compensation attorneys at the Law Offices of Franks & Koenig is waiting to speak with you for a free and confidential consultation. Why wait? Call today. Hurt at Work? We Can Help! (561) 616-3800.
