How Should I Report My Work Injuries?

If you were injured at work, you may be wondering what you need to do next.  One of the first things you should do after a work-related injury is report the injury to your employer.  We’ve listed a few best practices to follow when reporting an injury to your employer.

Report Injuries As Soon As Possible.

Anytime you are injured at work, you should report the injury to your employer or supervisor immediately or, at the very least, the same day the injury occurred. If you are unsure if a medical issue or symptom is related to a work injury, it’s a good practice to notify your employer of this injury and its possible relation to your employment.

In Pennsylvania, if you do not notify your employer of an injury within 21 days, no compensation is due until that notice is given. Additionally, you must provide notice to your employer within 120 days.  If not, you give up your rights to receive workers’ compensation benefits for your work injuries. Therefore, injuries should be reported as soon as possible to protect your rights and avoid complications down the road.

Consult Your Employee Handbook.

Many employers have specific rules for reporting work injuries, and they should be followed.  These rules may inform you who you should notify at your company, whether a specific form should be filled out, and a time frame in which you should report any injury to your employer.  If you are unsure whether your employer has any procedures in place for reporting work injuries, consult your employee handbook or ask your employer.  While you may still be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you do not follow these guidelines, an employer may use it as a basis for disciplining you or even terminating your employment.  In order to avoid any risk, you should know what your employer’s policies are for reporting work injuries.

Provide As Much Detail As Possible.

When you report a work injury, you should do so with as much detail as possible. Information you should provide to your employer includes: the task you were performing at the time of injury or the injury’s relation to your employment; the injuries you sustained; the time and date you were injured; and anybody who may have witnessed the injury.  If you start experiencing new symptoms after you have reported an injury, you should report these new symptoms to your employer.  For example, if you notified your employer that you injured your shoulder and the next day your back starts hurting, you should report this to your employer as soon as possible.

Keep Record Of All Communications With Your Employer.

In a workers’ compensation proceeding, the burden is on you, the injured worker, to properly notify your employer that you sustained a work-related injury. Keeping records of these encounters creates a paper-trail of your work injury and avoids the possibility of your employer denying that they received notice of the injury. You should never assume that a voicemail or letter was received. Instead, you should follow up with your employer to confirm receipt of your notice and keep detailed records of all communications between yourself and your employer.

For example, if you reported your injury to your employer verbally, it is also a good practice to follow up with an email or written letter containing the same details that you reported verbally.  This ensures that both you and your employer have a written record of the work injury and its details.  On the other hand, if you notified your employer via email or in writing, a good practice would be to follow up in person or on the phone to confirm that the notice was received.  You should also keep notes of who you talked to and when the conversation occurred.  Again, you want to ensure that your employer has received notice of your injury and that there is a record of that notice.  Further, you should retain a copy of all written communications between yourself and your employer.

Report “Minor” Injuries.

Sometimes injuries seem minor, and so you may not feel that they need to be reported to your employer.  However, you should still report it to your employer.  By reporting “minor” injuries to your employer, you are protecting your ability to receive compensation if your injury becomes more serious down the road.  Remember, work injuries must be reported within 120 days.  Therefore, even these smaller, more minor work injuries should be reported.

Consult A Workers’ Compensation Attorney.

Reporting your work injuries is just the first step in the process after you’ve been injured at work.  After reporting your injury to your employer, the next step should be to contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to discuss your rights.  At Freeburn Law, you can consult with one of our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys free of charge.  Each case is different, and you owe it to yourself to consult with an attorney that will fight for you.

Avoid These Pitfalls When Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim

If you have been injured at work, the last thing you want to do is have unnecessary delays in receiving your workers’ compensation benefits. Unfortunately, workers’ compensation claims are routinely denied or delayed because of routine mistakes. Working with an attorney can help you avoid these common pitfalls and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve as quickly as possible.

If you have been injured on the job, contact Freeburn Law to speak directly with an attorney. Our legal team will help you understand your rights and work to ensure you receive the maximum workers’ compensation benefits based on the circumstances of your case. Do not settle for less. Contact our office today to schedule your free case evaluation. 

What Kinds of Injuries are Covered by Workers’ Compensation

As explained by the Department of Labor & Industry, any injury, illness, or disease that was caused by your work may be covered by workers’ compensation. Injuries that are self-inflicted or caused by violating a law, however, are not covered. Therefore, any injury that results from the illegal use of drugs or as a result of intoxication may not be covered. 

Some of the most common injuries include repetitive injuries and serious injuries such as broken bones or the loss of a limb. Any time you are hurt on the job, you need to seek medical attention immediately and consult with an attorney as soon as possible to determine your legal options. 

Common Mistakes When Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim

In most cases, a workers’ compensation claim is the sole remedy for someone who is injured while on the job. While the claim for workers’ compensation benefits may seem straightforward, the process can be complicated and overwhelming. Common mistakes can be costly, resulting in the loss of time and money. 

Here are 10 common mistakes to avoid when filing a workers’ compensation claim:

Failure to Report the Injury Promptly

Far too often, claims for benefits are denied because they are not filed promptly. No compensation is due until notice is given unless the employer has knowledge of the injury or receives notice within 21 days. It is essential to report the injury immediately. If you do not report your injury within 120 days of the injury, compensation will not likely be given. 

Not Seeking Medical Attention

Failure to seek medical attention or continue treatment can negatively impact your right to workers’ compensation benefits. It can also affect your recovery. Even if you are unsure about the severity of your injuries, you should still seek medical attention immediately after the incident.

Not Documenting the Injury Properly

It is essential to properly document the injury. Make sure to keep a copy of the written report you file with your employer, as well as any medical records pertaining to your injuries. The more evidence you have regarding your injury, the stronger your case will be.

Not Following Doctor's Orders

You should be following all doctor’s orders to ensure you receive the maximum benefits available in your case and to keep your recovery moving forward. Any gap in treatment or failure to follow orders may also delay your physical recovery.

Not Keeping Records of Expenses

In order to receive compensation, you need to provide detailed records of your injury-related expenses. From construction workers injured on-site to office employees suffering from a repetitive strain injury, it is essential to keep a record of any out-of-pocket costs related to your injuries.

Posting on Social Media

Posting on social media can prove costly. A picture taken out of context may suggest that you are not as severely injured as you reported in your claim. Refraining from posting on social media is strongly advised after a work injury. 

Ignoring Deadlines for Filing Claims

Failure to meet legal deadlines can result in your claim being denied. You cannot ignore deadlines for filing claims without risking your right to compensation after an on-the-job injury.

Not Seeking Legal Advice

It is imperative to seek legal advice as early in the process as possible. At Freeburn Law, we have helped numerous employees get the benefits they deserve after an injury. Learn more about us and how we can help. 

Returning to Work Prematurely

While you may start to feel better, it is critical to wait to return to work until you have been released by your doctor. Returning to work prematurely could cost you your benefits and may make your injuries worse over time.

Accepting a Settlement Without Legal Review

You should never accept a settlement without first consulting with an attorney. Far too often, unrepresented injured workers end up accepting a settlement offer that is far less than their case is worth.

Contact Our Office to Learn More

Were you injured on the job in Pennsylvania? Contact our office today to schedule a free case evaluation. Our lawyers will help guide you through the process and help you receive the benefits you need to fully recover.

How to Prevent Injuries Common in Wintery Conditions

As the weather starts to cool down, workers must anticipate colder outdoor temperatures, hazardous icy conditions, and other unsafe winter-related dangers for both their safety and the safety of those around them. Below are some common winter weather injuries as well as tips to keep yourself and others safe during cold winter conditions.

Were you injured while working in cold weather? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Contact Freeburn Law to learn more about your rights as an injured worker by calling (717) 777-7777 today. Speak to a Harrisburg workers’ compensation lawyer for FREE.

Types of Cold Weather Injuries

Knowing the risks you face while working in freezing temperatures is vital in helping you avoid illness or injury throughout the winter months. Some workers are at high risk of injury, which include the following:

Hypothermia - While our bodies are good at maintaining a constant temperature, exposure to cold for an extended period of time can result in a low body temperature. A body temperature under 95°F can result in shivering, confusion, increased breathing rate, high pulse rate, and even death.

Frostbite - Prolonged exposure to the cold can damage the skin, nerves, and tissue. The hands, feet, ears, and nose are especially prone to frostbite due to their lower blood circulation.

Trench Foot - When a worker is exposed to a cold and wet environment for a prolonged period of time, they can develop “trench foot.” Symptoms of trench foot include itching, numbness, a sensation of heaviness in your feet, and difficulty walking.

Brain, Neck, or Back Injuries - TBIs can be caused by a wide range of cold weather accidents, including slips and falls and weather-related car accidents.

Broken Bones - Similar to the above, broken or fractured bones are commonly sustained in falls or motor vehicle accidents.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Often referred to as the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to symptoms ranging from headache, nausea, and dizziness to heart problems, cognitive impairment, and even death.

Workers Most at Risk for Winter Weather Injuries

Most workers who spend their days outdoors don’t have the luxury of stopping during the winter months. Workers in many sectors must continue working outside, even in freezing temperatures. These professions include:

• Construction workers
• Police, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs)
• Truck drivers
• Public transit workers
• Mail carriers
• Delivery drivers
• Utility workers
• Airport ground crews
• Agricultural workers
• Oil and gas workers

Tips on How to Stay Safe While Working in Cold Conditions

Winter may be the season of holiday festivities, but it is also the season for dangerous slip-and-falls and cold-related injuries and illnesses. Awareness is critical for preventing tragedy, but practicing safety precautions could save you from the burden of lost work, wages, and even lives due to workplace injuries. Here are some tips to keep in mind when working in cold weather conditions:

• Know the symptoms of cold stress. Reddening skin, tingling, pain, swelling, leg cramps, numbness, and blisters are all signs of cold-related distress that, if left unmonitored and unattended to, could result in severe injury and even death.
• Dress appropriately for the cold. If working outside in cold weather, you should wear at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing, insulated gloves and boots, and a warm head covering. 
• Be mindful of your physical condition and that of your coworkers. Be on the lookout for conditions like chilblains, which are the painful and potentially life-threatening inflammation of blood vessels in the skin that could result in trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia. Symptoms include rash, itching, burning, ulcers, and red patches on the skin.
• Avoid damp environments. Damp, cold conditions are especially hazardous, as moisture can increase heat loss from the body. 
• Take frequent breaks in warm and dry areas. You should limit your exposure to the extreme cold and take breaks in a safe, warm place.
• Drink warm beverages. A quick and simple way to warm up in the bitter cold outside conditions is to drink tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or any other warm drink. 

What to Do If You Were Injured While Working in Cold or Freezing Conditions

If you have been hurt or harmed at work while working in cold conditions, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney in Central Pennsylvania can help you recover compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. 

At Freeburn Law, our team of experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to recover the best possible compensation for your workplace injury. Contact us today by submitting an inquiry form online or calling our office at (717) 777-7777. At Freeburn Law, we will fight for you.