Severe work injuries are tragic. Unfortunately, they are common.
If you have been hurt while working, workers’ compensation is critical to maximizing your recovery. In Indiana, there are rules you must follow to access your benefits.
Learn the steps to take after a severe work injury to increase your chances of receiving benefits.
Step One: Report Your Injury
To qualify for workers’ compensation, you must report your severe work injury to your supervisor as soon as possible. Some work-related injuries and illnesses are not immediately obvious, so report your injury as soon as you can. In Indiana, you must report a work accident within 30 days to qualify for benefits.
Step Two: Get Medical Attention
After a severe work injury, you should see a doctor because:
- If you are disabled and in pain, you need medical attention to recover.
- Your employer will probably require that you get diagnosed by a physician before they will consider your workers’ comp claim.
Unfortunately, in Indiana, the employer and their workers’ comp insurance provider get to pick which doctor will examine an injured worker. Since these doctors tend to work with insurance companies, they can be motivated to tell the insurer what they want to hear. They may tell the insurer that your injury is not serious, not work-related, or both.
However, you may also qualify for an independent medical exam from a doctor chosen by the state Workers’ Compensation Board. An independent medical examiner can provide you with a more objective diagnosis.
Step Three: Follow Medical Advice
After a severe work injury, you may be tempted to hold off on surgery or other treatment until your workers’ comp claim is approved. However, we recommend that you follow the doctor’s orders and get the care you need.
Step Four: Consult a Lawyer
Often, your employer and their insurance company will deny your claim or offer you unfair compensation. You have the right to work with an experienced Indiana workers’s compensation attorney and seek full compensation.
To schedule a free consultation, call us at 317-566-9600 (Indianapolis), 765-865-9300 (Bloomington), or 812-566-2600 (Kokomo), or complete our online inquiry form to meet* with one of our health professional attorneys to review your case. If you were harmed through medical treatments or neglect, we hope to hear from you. We have offices in Indianapolis, Kokomo, and Bloomington to serve you.