What Is the Employer’s Responsibility When a Worker Is Injured?

Employers have a range of responsibilities when one of their employees gets injured while on the job. Workers have the right to work in a relatively safe environment and have protections in case an injury occurs. If you were injured while working, learn more about your options for recovering compensation.

At Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward, we have a long history of helping employees hold their employers accountable if injured while working. Our team of experienced North Charleston workers’ compensation lawyers will work diligently to ensure you get the money you need after an accident. Reach out today to schedule a free case review with a member of our legal team.

Ensure the Injured Employee Gets the Medical Attention They Need

When a worker gets injured while on the job, their employer is required to ensure they get the medical attention they need and deserve. The employer should assess the severity of the injury to determine whether to call an ambulance, take the injured employee to the hospital, or allow the employee to seek medical attention on their own.

Even if the injury seems minor, the employee should be checked by a medical professional to ensure that a more serious injury is not being masked by adrenaline. 

Reporting the Injury to Employer’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Provider

After ensuring the employee receives medical attention, the employer must report the injury to their workers’ comp insurance provider. The employer will need to answer a range of questions about the incident, including:

• The date and time the injury occurred
• When the employer became aware of the injury
• Where the accident happened
• A description of the injury

Your employer must report the injury within 90 days of the accident. If you inform your employer of an injury and they fail to report it to their insurance provider before the deadline, they may open themselves up to a lawsuit. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can review your legal options with you to ensure you recover the money you need and deserve.

Responding to Requests From the Insurance Provider

After reporting your injury to their insurance provider, your employer must be prepared to answer any additional questions the insurer may have about your claim. Due to the time constraints of filing a claim, it is critical that employers answer any requests for additional information as quickly as possible.

In addition to answering requests from the insurance provider, employers should also be quick to respond to any requests or inquiries made by the injured employee, the medical service providers, or other employees who witnessed or were involved in the accident.

Keeping the lines of communication open is critical for ensuring that accurate information is provided on time.

Take Steps to Prevent Future Incidents

If a workplace injury reveals a danger in the workplace, it is critical that employers take steps to prevent further injuries. Steps taken to improve safety can range from making changes to the work environment aimed at reducing hazards to providing additional safety training to employees.

Are Employers Responsible for Injuries to Remote Workers?

Employers have responsibilities regarding injured employees, even for those who work from home. However, determining the level of liability and whether workers’ compensation coverage comes into effect depends on a variety of factors. 

Of course, an employer does not control the working environment conditions for an off-site worker. However, unless the worker gets injured by a hazard that they knew about and failed to properly address, workers’ compensation insurance should cover any compensatory damages they incur.

When Can I File a Lawsuit Against My Employer for an Injury?

If your employer fails to report your injury to their workers’ comp insurance provider, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against them to recover the money you deserve.

You may also be able to sue your employer if the circumstances of your injury fall outside what is covered by workers’ comp insurance. For example, if you were injured due to negligence on the part of your employer or actions taken with the intention of causing harm, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be your avenue to recovering damages.

Reach Out to an Experienced Workers’ Comp Attorney Today to Learn More About Your Employer’s Liability

If you were injured in a workplace accident, consulting an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can be critical for ensuring that your employer takes the necessary steps needed to get you the money you deserve and prevent further injury. The Thumbs Up Guys have a long history of helping those injured in workplace accidents get back on their feet.

Contact us today by phone or through our website to schedule a free, no-obligation case review with a member of our legal team.