Steps You Should Take When Injured On the Job

There are innumerable ways to be injured at work. But no matter how you’ve been injured while performing your job, there are a few steps you should take as soon as possible in order to protect yourself and your family.

In a medical emergency, get medical help immediately. If possible, obtain medical treatment from your company’s authorized physician. If an authorized physician is not available, or if your employer refuses to pay for your treatment, you may select your own physician to provide emergency care.

Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. If you did not immediately know – and had no reason to know – that you were injured or had an occupational disease, report the injury as soon as you become aware of it. You are also required to report your injury to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation as soon as you can, but at least within one year of the date of the injury.

When you get medical benefits and treatment through workers’ compensation, you are generally required to go to a doctor chosen by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company, and one their authorized treating physicians or clinics. Your employer is required to post a list of these physicians in prominent places on its business premises. This list is usually a pink piece of paper and often has an additional sheet with it explaining your rights or benefits under workers’ compensation law.

If you are unable to work after a workplace injury, ask your employer to pay you income benefits. Workers’ compensation benefits usually include at least partial payment for any lost wages.