Injured at work, but no one saw it happen? Here’s what you can do to ensure you get the workers’ comp benefits you deserve.
Going to work is a necessary part of life. It’s how we pay the bills, care for our families, and build our future. But what happens when we get hurt on the job, and there’s no one around to witness it? How do we file for workers’ compensation, and what can we do to ensure that we get the help we need? Here are the steps you can take to file your workers’ comp claim even if no one witnessed your injury.
Challenges Faced by Injured Workers When No One Saw Them Get Hurt
If there were no witnesses to your injury, you might face skepticism from your employer or insurance company. The insurance company is generally reluctant to pay out, and your employer may argue that your injury is not their responsibility. The burden of proof lies with you, and you need to prove that your injury is work-related. This can be an uphill battle without a witness to back up your story.
What to Do if No One Witnessed Your Injury
Having no witness to corroborate your story doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get the compensation you deserve. Here are the actions you can take to build your case and ensure you get the workers comp benefits you deserve:
- Report the Injury to a Supervisor Immediately After It Occurs: The first step you should take after suffering a work-related injury, even if no one saw it happen, is to report the injury to your supervisor. Be sure to document the time and date of the incident and the details of what happened. Mention what you were doing before the accident and any person you remember seeing before or after the incident. Your supervisor may also have a form for you to fill out, so be sure to complete it.
- Seek Medical Attention: After reporting the injury to your supervisor, the next step is to seek medical attention. Be sure to document your visit to the hospital, including the time and date and any medications or treatments you received. Even if you don’t think your injury is serious, it’s essential to have a medical professional examine you to rule out any underlying issues. A doctor’s report can also help strengthen your case if you need to file a workers’ comp claim.
- Speak With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney: If you’ve been injured at work and have already reported it to your supervisor and sought medical attention, it’s essential to speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible. Having a workers comp attorney for your work injury claim can help ensure it is processed efficiently, and a lawyer can guide you through the process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible when reporting the injury, including the date and time of the incident, the nature of the injury, and any medical treatment you received. Speaking with a lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair treatment throughout the workers’ compensation process.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where there are no witnesses to your injury, follow the steps above, as they can reduce the likelihood that your claim will be denied.
St. Louis Workers Comp Attorney
At the Law Office of James M. Hoffman, our St. Louis workers comp attorney has over 30 years of experience and is committed to helping injured workers seek the compensation they deserve and can help you with your case. Give us a call 24/7 for a free case evaluation if you have been injured on the job.