What Not to Do If You've Been Injured on the Job
Posted on: 22 February 2017
Many safeguards are in place across Australia, to look after workers who may be injured on the job. These safeguards will help you to get any financial assistance you may need, as well as the proper medical treatment, but you need to ensure that you follow the right procedure so that everything works in your favour. What missteps should you avoid?
Don't Forget or Delay
Whenever you sustain an injury, this can be a traumatic time and it can be difficult to focus on details and records. However, as soon as you're able to, make sure that you write down in full detail exactly what happened to you, even though some of the details may not seem to be very important at that moment. You will need to provide all of this information to your doctor first of all and they will in turn make a record for their files. Remember that memory fades with time and your GP has a lot of other patients to deal with as well. In the future, this information may prove crucial.
It's a good idea to make your claim as soon as possible. Once your doctor has given their professional opinion to your employer and insurance company, you're ready to start filling in the paperwork.
Don't Sign Too Soon
Many people believe that they should make a full statement to an investigator, but you don't actually have a legal obligation to do this. You may need to provide some information, but you should be wary about giving all of the information or signing any document that an insurance representative may give to you.
Don't Take No
It's not unusual for claims for compensation to be turned down and frequently this is erroneous. You can turn to a conciliation service for advice, or you can turn to a workers compensation attorney for full support. Conciliation may only go so far and if the decision is the same, your forward path may lie through a court. Don't let this put you off, however, as you may still be entitled to what you are pursuing.
Don't Be Afraid
No matter what type of relationship you have with your employer, never be afraid to lodge a formal worker's compensation claim. Some workers believe that this will put them on the bad side of their bosses or result in them receiving fewer overtime hours in the future. Your employer is not allowed to discriminate against you in this way, even if they should think about it. Remember that employers are required to have their own insurance to cover these situations, as they are likely to arise.
Getting the Big Picture
It's always a good idea to talk with an independent lawyer whenever you sustain an injury at work. Even though the workers comp situation may appear to be clear, you may also be entitled to some other compensation for your suffering.
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