What Should I Do if Involved in a Work-Related Accident?

If you’re injured on the job or due to work duties, it’s possible to collect workers’ compensation benefits to aid your recovery. However, an official report must be filed with your employer as soon as possible, as this is often the precursor to making a claim. Here’s a look at this important step and what to include in the form.

Why You Must File a Work-Related Accident Report Immediately

When your workers’ compensation claim is reviewed, representatives will pay close attention to when the work-related accident report was filed.

In many states, there’s a 30-day time limit to report the accident after it occurs or after you discover your job duties have caused the injury. If you wait until after the deadline to report what happened, your employer and the insurer might question the severity of your injury or whether an accident took place as claimed. 

What to Include in the Report

If your employer doesn’t have a standard work-related accident form for you to fill out, include the details in a separate document and make a copy for your records.

The document should include what types of injuries you sustained, how the accident that led to the injury occurred, who was involved, and the medical treatment you’ve had since. The location, date, and time of the accident are also needed to complete the report.

What Records You Should Gather

While writing the accident report, take the opportunity to gather documents you might need in the claim process later. Retrieve copies of medical records from your doctor, as you might be asked during an interview to provide greater detail about the extent of your injuries. This information is also used to determine how much money you’ll need for medical costs. 

Keep notes on your physical changes, as it will also show how getting hurt has impacted your ability to do your job. Gather pay stubs and paychecks so that the insurer has a better idea of your loss of income due to the accident. To highlight the financial strain, keep receipts for any expenses associated with the injury.

For help with every step of the workers’ compensation claim process, contact The Law Offices of Gallner & Pattermann, P.C., in Council Bluffs, IA. Serving Pottawattamie County clients since 1974, the injury attorneys help clients involved in construction accidents and other workplace incidents get the money they deserve.

Learn more about the firm’s practice areas online and call (712) 323-0999 for a consultation.