Unfortunately, accidents happen on a job every day. You can suffer from a slip and fall, a sprain, or a broken bone. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about 2.6 million recorded cases of nonfatal injuries and illnesses in 2021. However, as an employee, you have rights, including the ability to contact a workers' comp lawyer and seek proper medical care. If you ever find yourself injured on the job, here are six steps you should take.

1. Talk to Your Superior

After an injury, the first step you should take is to talk to your superior. Your boss should become immediately aware you've been hurt, especially if you have to go home that day. Avoid a delay in any reports that need to be filed by notifying the proper person. Then, you can quickly get the medical attention you deserve.

2. Go to the Doctor

Get medical attention, whether you have a cut, a sprain, or a broken bone. After a severe injury, such as a broken bone or laceration, seek immediate medical attention. However, if you hurt yourself but it's not an emergency, it's fine to at least make an appointment. Just remember to make an appointment with your doctor on the day of your injury, even if you can't see them right away.

3. Document Everything

Any workers' comp lawyer recommends documenting everything that happened during your injury. Write down the location where the injury happened, and note the date, time, and what was happening when the injury occurred. For example, were you in the process of running a tractor, or were you cleaning a floor and slipped? You may also want to note if there were any witnesses around in case you have to prove what happened.

Mention any equipment involved in the injury as well. You should also make a note of the condition of the equipment. In other words, did the equipment appear as if it was faulty and hadn't been inspected in a while? You should take photographs of the area that you were injured in, if possible. Photograph or video the physical and visible injuries that you have.

4. File a Workers' Comp Claim

Remember, you're eligible for compensation when injured on the job. However, to take advantage of any compensation due, you have to officially file a claim with the employer's insurance company. The sooner you file a claim, the sooner your medical expenses will get covered. Depending on the extent of your injury, you may also be dealing with lost wages. However, as any workers' comp lawyer will tell you, a valid claim can ensure you're paid for any past or future lost wages once everything is approved.

5. Obtain Legal Expertise

Take the time to get proper legal representation. A workers' comp lawyer can help walk you through the process to ensure you're doing everything correctly. A lawyer on hand can help your claim go through faster and get your compensation due promptly. After all, it's no secret that insurance companies often hesitate to pay people the money owed to them. However, a skilled lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company and get you the money you deserve.

6. Take Care of Yourself

Don't forget to take care of yourself. A workplace injury can take a toll on you physically and mentally. Some injuries can be more extensive than others and create more pain and anxiety. If you're out of work during this period, make sure you practice self-care. Get the amount of rest that you should and go to your scheduled doctor appointments. Make sure that you document all of your doctor appointments in case you need that to help with your workers' compensation claim. You may also have to continue to meet with your workers' comp lawyer throughout the process. Of course, stay in contact with your employer, too.

Suffering a workplace injury can be painful physically and emotionally. Your injury may be temporary, or it may permanently put you out of work. Whatever the situation is, you should take the right steps to ensure you get the help and compensation you deserve. You're not in this situation alone, as there are professionals who can help you. If you need assistance after getting hurt on the job, contact our team at Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey today.