Filing a workers compensation claim for an electrocution injury will vary slightly depending on the state that you live in, but here are the basics of the process that should at least get you started. Assuming that when you were injured at work your injury was serious enough to require immediate medical treatment, you should have been directed by your employer to go to seek treatment at an urgent care clinic or local hospital emergency room. Chances are you were transported there by ambulance, and that your employer was fully aware of the accident.
However, if for some reason your employer was not immediately aware of the electrocution accident, you need to report it to them as soon as possible.
- In most states, it is your employer who will file the initial workers compensation claim paperwork on your behalf. Your employer will usually be filing a form called "First Report of Injury" or something similar in nature.
- Even if you live in a state that requires you to complete a form and submit it to your employer, be aware that there is usually a fairly short period of time within which you are allowed to report an on the job injury.
- Failure to meet any deadlines for reporting the injury or submitting the claim can render your claim invalid and it will be dismissed.
It is important to find out if your state workers compensation laws allow you to choose your own doctor to provide ongoing treatment or if you need to be treated by a doctor that is chosen by your employer. If your state allows your employer to choose the doctor, you will be forfeiting the right to have your medical treatment paid for by your employer if you don't follow the rules.
You have the right to have an attorney assist you with your workers compensation claim. This is a good idea because only then will you have someone familiar with the laws on your side representing your interests and making sure your rights are protected.
