How to Report a Workplace Injury in Columbia

Despite many employers’ best efforts, workplace accidents are still a fact of life. According to data from Missouri’s Department of Labor, there were over 93,722 reported workplace injuries in 2021. One hundred and ten of those were fatalities and over 12,000 resulted in lost time from work. Whether a workplace injury occurs due to an unsafe environment, a lack of safety protocols, or another reason, it is essential to report the incident soon after it occurs.

If you have been injured in a workplace accident, taking the necessary steps to report your injury can help ensure that you receive the compensation and treatment you need to recover. Reach out to a skilled workers’ compensation attorney to learn more about how to report a workplace injury in Columbia.

Steps for Reporting Workplace Incidents

There are some specific steps you should take when reporting a work-related accident in Columbia. Doing so will ensure that any workers’ compensation claim you may file is quickly and properly processed, which can help speed up the compensation process.

Immediately Notify Your Employer or Supervisor

It is important to notify your employer of your injury as soon as possible. Make sure you do this in writing and keep a copy for your records. Failing to notify your employer within 30 days of the injury may result in a delay or denial of your compensation. The notice should include the time, date, location the injury occurred, and the nature of the injury. Always make sure to notate the date that the notice was mailed or if delivered in person, to whom it was delivered, as well as the day and time.

It is the responsibility of the employer or its insurer to report the injury – known as The First Report of Injury (FROI) to the Division of Workers’ Compensation. This must be done within 30 days of knowledge of the employee’s injury.

Seek Medical Attention

Once you have notified your employer, it is important to seek medical attention. Getting treatment from a medical professional will not only help to assess and treat your injury, but it will also create a record of the incident. Columbia employers are responsible for providing workers’ compensation coverage, so any medical bills related to the injury should be covered by their insurance provider.

Document Everything

Keeping records is vital if you’ve been injured on the job. Written records that you keep will assist in proving the severity of your injury when filing for workers’ compensation. These records should include any medical bills, doctor’s notes, and other information related to the injury and treatment. You should also document any expenses you have incurred because of the injury, such as travel costs to and from medical appointments or any lost wages.

How a Columbia Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help After a Job-Related Injury

After reporting an injury that stems from your job duties and seeking medical attention, one of the most important steps you can take is to contact a seasoned workers’ compensation lawyer. Even if your employer is cooperative and your benefits claim is accepted, having an experienced Columbia lawyer by your side can ensure that the process moves along smoothly.

A legal representative will be able to advise you on your rights and provide guidance on how to handle any disputes that may arise between you and your employer. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for insurance companies to attempt to settle with injured workers for far less than they deserve. Having an experienced lawyer in Columbia on your side can help ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.

Contact the Law Offices of Chris Miller if You’ve Suffered a Workplace Injury

At the Law Offices of Chris Miller, we understand that workplace injuries can be traumatic and life-changing events. We are dedicated to helping injured individuals receive medical care and financial compensation so they can recover and move forward with their lives. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out more about how to report a workplace injury and Columbia.