Hopefully, you will never get hurt while on the job. In the event you do suffer a workplace injury, you should be ready to avail yourself of the state workers’ compensation system. Early steps you take shortly after your injury could make a difference when you apply for benefits.
Many North Carolina workplaces have instructions in place to help their employees seek medical treatment following an injury. Understanding these requirements in advance may help you start your application for compensation on the right foot.
Receive treatment from appropriate providers
Some workplaces have medical providers on location. Other employers name a specific care provider that will treat employee injuries. If your injury is appropriate, you should report to the provider your employer designates. However, if you get hurt seriously enough, you might require care from a family doctor or even a visit to the emergency room.
Regardless of your situation, your care provider should know that your injury stems from your work activities. This allows your provider to bill the care costs as a workers’ compensation claim.
Designate someone to report for you
In the event of a severe injury, you probably will not be able to personally communicate with your workplace for a long while. Consider asking a family member or friend to let your employer know of your injury and if necessary, provide your employer with a written statement describing the nature and date of your injury no later than 30 days after getting hurt.
Remember that a workers’ comp insurer can deny your workers’ comp claim. Learning about your obligations ahead of time could help you move the process along and quell doubts that you have an entitlement to benefits.
