According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a work-related injury or illness is defined as any condition caused or significantly aggravated by an event or exposure in the workplace. If you’re asking, “What is it called when you get hurt at work?”—chances are, you’ve experienced such an incident and are now looking for guidance.

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What Happens When You’re Hurt at Work?

For hardworking individuals, an on-the-job injury can be devastating, interfering with your ability to earn a paycheck and support your family. Workplace injuries can result from:

  • A single event, like a fall or chemical burn.
  • Repeated exposure to harmful substances or repetitive actions over time.
  • Psychological harm caused by stress or other work-related factors.

Workers’ compensation benefits aim to provide financial relief for these situations. Some of the benefits include:

  • Medical Care: Coverage for doctor visits, surgeries, therapy, medications, medical devices, and travel costs to and from treatment.
  • Temporary Disability Benefits: Partial wage replacement while recovering and unable to perform regular job duties.
  • Permanent Disability Benefits: Compensation for lost earning capacity due to a permanent physical or mental impairment.
  • Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits: Vouchers for retraining or skill enhancement if you’re unable to return to your previous role.
  • Death Benefits: Payments to dependents of a worker who dies from a job-related injury or illness.

What Should You Do After a Workplace Injury or Illness?

  1. Report the Incident Immediately

Notify your supervisor as soon as possible. Timely reporting is crucial to avoid delays or denial of benefits. In some cases, you may have as little as three days to report your injury.

Failing to report your injury promptly could result in a denial of your workers’ compensation claim. However, if your claim has been denied, our workers’ compensation attorneys may be able to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How Do I Report a Work-Related Injury to My Employer?

Most employers have established procedures for reporting workplace injuries. Typically, they will provide you with a standardized injury report form. This form usually requires the following details:

  • Date and time of the injury.
  • Location of the incident.
  • Description of the activity that caused the injury.
  • Names of witnesses, if applicable.
  • Whether you’ve sought medical care.

Be as detailed as possible and request a copy of the form for your records. If your employer doesn’t provide a form, you can find one on your state’s workers’ compensation agency website or contact our attorneys for assistance.

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  1. What’s the Next Step After Reporting an Injury?

After reporting your injury, seek medical attention immediately. Depending on your state’s laws, you may need to see a doctor authorized by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider.

Make sure to:

  • Follow all medical advice and restrictions. Ignoring medical instructions could jeopardize your benefits.
  • Inform the doctor of your job duties and the details of the injury. This ensures proper documentation and reduces the risk of being prematurely cleared for work.
  1. What Are the Most Common Workplace Injuries?

Here are some common workplace injuries:

  • Slips, Trips, and Falls: Often caused by wet or cluttered floors, poor lighting, or unsafe scaffolding.
  • Overexertion and Muscle Strains: Common in labor-intensive jobs requiring repetitive motion or heavy lifting.
  • Falling Equipment or Objects: A frequent hazard in warehouses and construction sites.
  • Crashes and Collisions: Particularly common for commercial drivers and workers using heavy machinery.
  • Chemical Exposure: Injuries to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system from hazardous substances.
  • Fires and Explosions: Risks include burns, respiratory damage, or injury from flying debris.
  1. What If I’m Fired After Getting Hurt at Work?

In at-will employment states, there are certain circumstances where an employer may legally terminate you after a workplace injury, such as:

  • Your injury prevents you from performing essential job duties.
  • Your employer has no suitable light-duty positions available.
  • The cost of workplace accommodations would cause undue financial hardship.

However, if you believe you’ve been fired in retaliation for filing a workers’ compensation claim or due to discrimination, you may have legal recourse.

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  1. When Should You Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

While the workers’ compensation process is often straightforward, claims can become complicated if:

  • Your claim is denied.
  • Your employer disputes the cause of your injury.
  • Your employer or insurer delays your payments.
  • You are unfairly terminated or retaliated against after filing a claim.

Our attorneys can:

  • Collect evidence, including medical records and witness statements.
  • Represent you during negotiations or court proceedings.
  • Fight delay tactics used by employers or insurers.

Why Choose E&L, LLP?

At E&L, LLP, we understand the financial, emotional, and physical toll that workplace injuries can take on you and your family. Our mission is to secure the benefits you deserve and hold employers accountable for their obligations.

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(213) 213-0000

WE DO NOT GET PAID UNTIL YOU GET PAID. THAT IS OUR GUARANTEE.