One of the most stressful and overwhelming things that can happen to you at work is getting injured. The pain, dealing with doctors’ appointments, and bills piling up. It can all be quite challenging.

So, how do you handle this situation? What steps should you take to protect your rights?

Luckily, you are not alone, and there are plenty of things you can do to make sure everything is handled properly.

To give you an idea, here are some steps you should take after a workplace injury to make sure you get the medical treatment and compensation you deserve.

1. Report the Injury Immediately

One of the first things you need to do after a workplace injury is to report it to your supervisor or manager as soon as possible. No matter how small the injury might seem, you need to have it documented.

Most of the companies have specific procedures for reporting workplace injuries, which is why you should follow those guidelines carefully. Not to mention, reporting it immediately can help you establish a clear timeline and make sure your employer is aware of the incident.

2. Seek Medical Attention

Getting medical attention should be the next item on your list. You need to go to a hospital as soon as possible and get treated by a doctor right away.

If it’s an emergency, go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care center. For non-emergencies, your employer might have a list of approved healthcare providers. Make sure to follow your company’s policy on where to seek treatment.

3. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Once you have gotten treatment for your injuries, you need to file a workers’ compensation claim.

You need to file the claim to get the benefits for your medical bills and lost wages. Your employer should provide you with the necessary forms and instructions. Fill out the forms accurately and completely, and submit them as soon as possible.

If you are not sure about the process, you can hire a workers compensation attorney to make sure you do everything accurately.

4. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

When you are hurt, you need to follow your doctor’s advice. But, when you get hurt at work, following your doctor’s orders can be the reason why your claim gets accepted.

Not to mention, it shows that you are taking your injury seriously and doing everything you can to get better.

That is why you should attend all follow-up appointments and physical therapy sessions, and take any prescribed medications as your doctor prescribed.

5. Consult a Workplace Injury Lawyer

Everything that happens after getting injured can be complex and stressful. To make things easier, you should think about consulting a workplace injury lawyer to make sure your rights are protected and you get the compensation you deserve.

A lawyer specializing in workplace injuries can help you understand your legal options, represent you in disputes, and make sure you receive fair treatment. They can also help you with any appeals if your workers’ compensation claim is denied.