Report the Incident
When you are injured at work, it is crucial that your supervisor, manager, or other person in charge is aware of the incident. This will be important evidence in your workers’ compensation claim. In Iowa, you have 90 days once you know, or should have known, that your injury was work related. However, it is not wise to wait long. As soon as you become aware that you have been injured at work, you should make sure that your employer is aware of it.
If you are unsure or apprehensive about reporting an incident, you should speak to a workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible to discuss your particular situation.
Seek Medical Care
Part of the reason it is important to report your work injury as soon as possible to your employer is because in Iowa, your employer has the right to determine medical treatment in most instances. And seeking medical attention not only helps you to be treated for your injury, but it also acts as important medical evidence in your future workers’ compensation claim. Waiting hours or days to receive medical treatment can be used against you as an argument that your injury wasn’t severe or didn’t happen at work.
And while it can be frustrating waiting on your employer to arrange your treatment, the sooner it is reported, the sooner you can obtain care. It is important to ensure that you are attending your doctor’s appointments regularly and doing your best to follow through with all of your doctor’s recommendations for treatment.
Talk To A Lawyer
We don’t just say this because we’re attorneys. We encourage you to speak to a lawyer in order to protect your rights. We know how insurance companies work and we believe that the best way to be treated fairly is with a knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer on your side.
