If you slip and fall down the office staircase or a heavy box falls on your foot in the warehouse, you may become one of the millions of Americans who suffer a compensable work injury each year. Even though you are protected by workers’ compensation law, that doesn’t mean the process is simple and straightforward. There are a number of things you’ll want to do beginning right after you suffer your foot injury that will help you get the compensation you deserve. In today’s blog, we explain some smart steps to take after a foot or ankle injury at the office.
Steps After An Ankle Injury At Work
Here are some helpful steps to consider that may make your injury claim run a little smoother.
1. Seek Medical Care – One of the first things you should do after a work injury is seek medical care. Perhaps it is obvious that you need it for your own health, but that’s not the only reason you should seek medical attention. If you are hoping to collect compensation through a workers’ compensation claim, then you need documented medical proof of the existence of a compensable injury. You need to visit a doctor to have your injuries assessed if you have any chance of winning an award.
For foot and ankle injuries, we recommend that you connect with Dr. Silverman. Dr. Silverman has performed countless IMEs or independent medical exams. He understands how to thoroughly conduct a review of your health and make it easy to connect the existence of your injuries to your work accident. Don’t just head to the doctor that your employer recommends, as they may have a history of providing favorable exams for your employer. You have a right to choose who you see for medical care after a work injury, so put your faith in a specialist like Dr. Silverman.
2. Report Your Injury – Report your injury to your employer through the proper channels. They will create an official injury report that will help you get the ball rolling on your medical claim. If they aren’t made aware of your injury, you’re going to struggle collecting compensation. Moreover, the longer you wait to report your injuries, the more red flags it signals to your employer’s workers’ compensation provider, as they may believe that your injuries actually happened off the clock.
3. Consult With A Lawyer – Workers’ compensations cases are a lot like surgery – they are complex in nature and rarely straightforward. You have a lot on the line when it comes to financial compensation, so don’t try to win your case on your own. Let a professional injury attorney help streamline the process and get you the compensation you deserve.
4. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders – Finally, be sure to follow your doctor’s advice as your claim plays out. If you skip appointments or go against their recommendations, the insurance company may cease payments on your claim because you are going against medical advice. Don’t give the insurance company any reason to stop making injury payments on your claim. Follow through on your doctor’s advice.