Suppose you are injured on the job in Maine. In that case, a work injury lawyer can advise you on what legal options you may have available, depending on the circumstances of the injury and the specific situation. Whether you need help understanding Maine work injury laws, help with your workers’ compensation claim, or are confused about what to do, visiting an experienced work injury lawyer will help ensure you receive the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to by law.
5 Steps to Follow If You’ve Been Injured on the Job
If you have suffered a work injury in Maine, to help protect yourself, here are important steps to follow that will make sure you get the compensation you deserve for your injury:
1. Seek Medical Attention
If injured on the job, seek medical attention immediately. The medical attention you receive will depend on the severity of the injury. It may be a trip to the emergency room, a 911 call, or your employer’s medical provider. If you are injured, never refuse medical attention or respond that you’re okay. It’s not uncommon for the full extent of an injury to fully manifest until a day or so later. Also, in the aftermath of your injury, as much for your health and recovery as for receiving workers’ compensation, follow all medical advice, treatment, and rehabilitation programs.
2. Let Your Employer Know You’ve Been Injured
You should let your employer or supervisor know about the injury promptly. Your shift supervisor will likely be onsite that, possibly he or she will assist in directing the appropriate medical response for your injury. Reporting the injury within a specific time period is required by the state workers’ compensation laws and can affect your ability to file a claim.
3. Documentation
Once the injury has been reported to your employer, make sure you fill out a workplace injury report with them and obtain a copy of the accident report from them. Filing a workplace injury report is required by law per OHSA and for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Do not let your employer tell you it is not necessary or that filing the report is not required. Let your employer know that, by law, it is necessary and required. Additionally, as soon as you can, you should also write down where and when the accident happened, under what conditions, and whose direction you were following when the injury occurred. Make a list of anyone who may have witnessed the accident.
Finally, keep copies of all your medical expenses and any correspondence with your employer and their insurance company, along with any other relevant documentation related to your injury.
4. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim:
Workplace accidents are common in Maine, as with most states, employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance to provide benefits for employees injured on the job. Filing a workers’ compensation claim starts with your employer. Typically, companies have workers’ compensation claim forms on file for you to submit to them or their insurance carrier. Be sure to file a claim promptly. It’s likely your employer will be supportive and make this information readily available to you. If not, or if there is resistance, you should contact a work injury lawyer to discuss your injury and legal options.
5. Consult with a Work Injury Lawyer
In most instances, work-related injuries do not require legal assistance. You file a workers’ compensation claim and go through a recommended rehabilitation program as directed by your doctor or doctors. However, there may be circumstances that do require a meeting with a work injury lawyer. Depending on how serious your injury is, or if your claim is denied, or if you encounter difficulties with your employer or their insurance company, you should consider visiting to consult with an experienced work injury lawyer. They can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
See Why We Are Maine’s Injury Lawyers
If you have been injured in a workplace accident and are uncertain of your legal options concerning workers’ compensation or are making little progress with your claims, contact the law offices of Hardy Wolf & Downing for a free consultation. We will assist you and help evaluate your claim. If you suffered a work injury in Maine, we’ll ensure you receive the benefits and compensation you deserve. As leaders in Maine work injury law, we’re but a phone call away. Contact Hardy Wolf & Downing to discuss your legal options today.