1) Report Your Work Injury: The most important thing you should do after you have been injured is to report your injury to your employer. Let them know the details of your injury.
You should tell your employer as where and when the accident happened, as well as how the accident occurred, and how you were injured. You should also write down the details of the accident and the details of your injuries for yourself.
In your personal notes, also include the date that you reported your injury to your employer, and the name of the person you told. This may prove to be useful to you later on in the claims process.
In South Carolina, you only have ninety days from the date you know you were injured at work to report your injury to your employer. It is important not to delay reporting your injury. If you do not report your injury within the time frame required, you may lose your rights to recover for your workers’ compensation claim.
2) Seek Medical Treatment: You should go to the hospital emergency room, or see a doctor immediately after the injury has occurred, or as soon as you are able. If you do not go to the emergency room, ask your employer what doctor you should go to for medical treatment for your injuries.
You do not want to risk having to pay for your medical bills yourself, so you need to get permission from your employer before you see a particular doctor.
When you do go to the doctor, make sure that you are as thorough as possible when explaining your injury. Even if some parts of your body are not hurting as much as others, it does not mean that you should leave them out. These minor injuries could end up turning into more serious injuries later on. It is important that you mention every injury.
It is also important to tell your doctor if you are having any psychological or emotional issues that you think may be related to your injuries, so that these symptoms can also be treated.
3) Follow Your Doctor’s Work Restrictions: If you are taken out of work because of your injury, make sure that you have written excuses from your doctor. If your doctor tells you to go back to work, but gives you restrictions on what you can do, you should have them submit the restrictions in writing as well.
If you return to work light duty, and your wages are less than your average weekly wage, you can receive 2/3′s of the difference between your normal wage and the amount you receive while working light-duty.
Have Additional Questions? Here are some additional links you may find helpful:
Do I Need an Attorney for My SC Workers’ Compensation Case?
Definitions for Frequently Used Workers’ Compensation Terms
Contact a South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Attorney for a Free Case Evaluation!
Or Call Shelly Leeke Law Firm Today for Answers To Your Questions. Call 843-277-6061 or Toll-Free 1-888-690-0211.