The more you know, the more likely that your claim will be approved.

Nobody expects to be injured on the job. Even in workplaces where an injury is a very real possibility, most people take what precautions they can to keep themselves safe. When an accident or injury happens anyway, workers are thrown into the complicated world of workers’ compensation without any understanding of how to navigate the system.

At Hodgman, Rowlett & Jahnes, P.A., we’re here to help. As a North Carolina workers’ comp attorney, we understand the complex process of filing for workers’ compensation and can guide you every step of the way. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of three things you should know before you even begin to file your claim.

I. You need to seek medical help as soon as possible.

Workers’ compensation is designed to pay your medical bills and provide money for you to survive while you recover from a workplace injury. In order to get compensation, you need to have medical bills to pay and proof that you were injured on the job. Only by seeking medical help can you get this proof. The North Carolina Industrial Commission recommends that you speak with the health care provider your employer has on site, your family doctor, and/or a hospital as appropriate. Furthermore, regardless of where you get the majority of your care, you should still tell your primary health care provider about the injury and that you received it at work.

II. You must notify your employer in writing of the injury within 30 days.

Even if your manager saw the injury happen and everyone at work knows what’s going on, you still need to provide written notification of the injury to your employer within 30 days. If you can’t write this yourself, it’s fine to have a family member or friend write it for you. The notification also does not need to be long or complex. A simple letter giving the date of the accident and describing the injury that resulted is all you need. Make sure you keep a copy of this notification for your records.

III. It’s best to speak to a workers’ comp attorney as soon as possible.

As you can see from the need for written notification, the rules for applying for and winning workers’ compensation are complicated and sometimes seem to defy common sense. That’s why it’s so important to speak to a workers’ comp attorney as soon as possible. Only a skilled and experienced attorney can help you through the process and give the best possible chance of earning the compensation to which you are entitled.

If you have been injured on the job, we invite you to contact Hodgman, Rowlett & Jahnes, P.A. as soon as you can. As NC board certified specialists in workers’ compensation law, we can give you the advice you need as you go through this intricate process. Our office is in Greensboro, NC, and we serve injured workers from the larger area, including Burlington, Summerfield, and the surrounding counties. Call us today to schedule a consultation.