A workplace accident could leave you battling painful injuries and a long recovery. The unknowns of your situation could put you out of work for the foreseeable future.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to wait too long to inform your employer of what happened. Understanding the reasons for taking immediate action can help you avoid costly mistakes.
You might forget the details
Your employer will rely on your version of events to determine the best way to proceed with a workers’ compensation claim. Waiting too long before you inform them of what happened could backfire if you cannot remember key details. You may also be at a higher risk of memory loss if you sustained a head injury, for example.
As soon as you have received adequate medical aid, contact your employer and provide a description of what happened. Include dates, times and the names of anyone who was with you at the time of the accident. You should also discuss the injuries you sustained and your doctor’s description of what recovery will be like.
The statute of limitations could pass
By law, you only have so long to report an injury before the statute of limitations prevents you from doing so. You can try to file a report after the statute of limitations passes, but your employer does not have to do anything with your claim. According to the Connecticut General Assembly, the statute of limitations in the state requires you to file a claim within one year of when your injury happened or within three years of when you first noticed signs of an occupational disease.
Your diligence in promptly reporting your injury can provide support to your workers’ compensation case.
