Being injured on the job is both professionally and emotionally disruptive. It is important to remember what your rights are and how to proceed after you’ve been injured.
- Notify your employer immediately
- The law requires that notice be given within 45 days of injury to management and to a union representative, if applicable.
- Document the injury
- Write a complete report and keep a copy for your files.
- Seek immediate medical care
- Be certain to tell the doctor or nurse that your injury happened at work.
- Consider filing a claim with the IWCC
- The law requires that filing be done within three years of the accident or two years of the date on which compensation benefits are last paid.
- You have no way to enforce your rights to benefits without filing a claim.
- Understand privacy rights
- Do not permit telephone interviews to be recorded.
- Save your payroll records
- Maintain medical records and bills
- Do not make assumptions about the circumstance of your injury
- Do not assume your injury, accident, or illness is not work-related.
- Check to see if you are entitled to other benefits
- The law requires that notice be given within 45 days of injury to management and to a union representative, if applicable
- Consult a Workers’ Compensation or Personal Injury attorney advice if you have any questions regarding your rights, reporting requirements, or filing deadlines