If you were involved in an accident at work in which you bruised your rib, you can pursue a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation is a special insurance that employers maintain for their employees at no additional charge. Workers’ compensation offers medical benefits and covers a portion of the worker’s lost wages, usually about two-thirds of the regular salary. However, workers’ compensation is a complicated process and the claim must be filed properly for it to be approved. Here are few tips if you bruised your rib at work and are filing a claim for workers’ compensation. 1. Tell Your Employer. You need to notify your employer as soon as possible that there has been a workplace accident and that you suffered a bruised rib. An accident report will have to be completed. The person handling your claim could be your immediate supervisor or someone in human resources depending on your company policy. 2. Get Medical Care Right Away. There should be an approved list of workers’ compensation physicians that your employer uses. If you do not see this list, ask your supervisor for a copy. Failing to use an approved medical provider could result in not getting medical benefits. 3. Go For Diagnostic Testing as Ordered By Your Treating Physician. X-rays or other scans will be necessary to diagnose your bruised rib, determine a treatment plan, and determine how long you will be off work or any restrictions that are necessary. 4. Write Down Notes About How You Were Injured and Your Accident. You will have to give a statement for the accident report, so make sure you write down every detail you can while it is fresh in your mind. You don’t want to forget important details that might impact whether your claim gets approved. 5. Make Sure Your Employer Is Aware of Any Witnesses to Your Accident. As an example, you were working on the sales floor when you slipped off a ladder and crashed into the metal shelves in the store. Witnesses included coworkers and customers. Any witnesses will need to give a statement for the accident report. Corroborating witnesses could make a difference in whether your claim is approved. 6. Keep Copies of All Documentation to Support Your Claim. This means you will need copies of the accident report, copies of medical records, copies of documentation showing missed work or restricted duty, and so forth. All these documents will show your injuries and how you are affected by them. 7. Consult With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney If you have suffered a bruised rib at work, you should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. Workers’ compensation claims are challenging, so you need an experienced lawyer on your side. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form today, so your claim can be reviewed by a workers’ comp attorney in your area. A statute of limitations does apply, so don’t wait too long. Get your claim on the right track today! Additional Resources When Should I Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney? Workers' Compensation: How Much is Your Claim Worth?
