At times, going to work can be tough on the body, especially if your role involves manual labor. While no job should physically harm you, the truth is that one workplace injury is expected to occur in the U.S. about every seven seconds. Fortunately, most employers in Missouri are required to have worker’s compensation, a type of insurance that pays for medical costs, lost wages, and other damages when employees get hurt. To help you collect any benefits you’re legally entitled to, here are the steps you should take after a work-related injury.

Step-By-Step Guide on How to Handle a Jobsite Injury

1. File an Accident Report

In Missouri, you have 30 days to inform your employer of an accident after it has happened. For legal protection, make sure the report is written out and signed. Even if you have not sustained injuries or are presenting no symptoms, it is important to file early on in case your condition changes.

If you fail to file within this period, the possibility of collecting worker’s compensation decreases.  

2. Visit a Doctor

After the accident, make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible. Your physician will perform an exam to determine your injuries and their severity.

The report your physician creates will support any claims you make at a later date.  

3. Take Required Drug or Alcohol Tests

Missouri law states that employees who are injured on-the-job while under the influence of drugs or alcohol may not be eligible for some or all of their worker’s compensation benefits.

If required by your employer, take these tests to help prove the validity of your case.

4. Document All Related Matters

Save any documentation that could be used to support your worker’s compensation claim. In addition to collecting medical reports, you should also record treatment costs, lost wages, and any evidence that shows the money you’ve lost due to the accident.

5. Prepare Your Claim With an Attorney

While worker’s compensation prevents you from suing your employer for damages, you still benefit from getting an attorney to represent your claim. An experienced personal injury lawyer will review your case in-depth and help you file the claim and collect the benefits you are owed. They will also help with many of the intermediary steps, such as filing a temporary total disability claim.

If you’re concerned about a job injury, Henry & Williams P.C. offers in-depth legal support for worker’s compensation claims in the West Plains, MO, area. Well-versed in this area of the law, these personal injury lawyers will examine every aspect of your case, inform you of your rights, and process your claim to secure a fair payout. To learn more about their practice areas, visit this firm online. If you’d like to schedule a free consultation, call (417) 256-8133.