workers is to report an injury to the employer as soon as possible after a work-related accident and document, document, document. While our state law mandates an injured worker report an injury to his employer within 90 days of the accident, immediate reporting of the injury is ideal. In addition to reporting the work-related accident to the employer, the employee must request medical treatment if the employer does not offer it to the injured worker. I tell my clients, whenever possible, it is beneficial to have written documentation of notice of the injury to the employer and the request for medical treatment. This can be done via email, text message, or a written incident report. That way, if a case is denied and the employer claims lack of notice, we have written evidence to use at a hearing. In addition to that basic tip, I encourage injured workers to consult an attorney soon after a work accident. Workers’ compensation lawyers specialize in this field and can advise what to do to minimize the chance of problems or delays in getting medical treatment and benefits. The most important “tip” I have for injured workers is to report an injury to the employer as soon as possible after a workrelated accident and document, document, document. WWW.LAWYER-MONTHLY.COM 25 Catie Meehan Steinberg Law Firm Tel: (843) 871-6522 Email: cmeehan@steinberglawfirm.com www.steinberglawfirm.com
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