If you are injured on the job, you must follow these simple steps:

OBTAIN first aid or other necessary medical treatment as soon as possible. The treating health care provider must be authorized by the Workers' Compensation Board, except in an emergency situation. It is very important to make sure the doctor you choose is authorized to treat under Workers Compensation and are familiar with filling out "C-4" forms, since the insurance companies are not obligated to pay for medical bills from non-authorized doctors. In addition, if the Workers Compensation Board does not recieve the proper forms, they may not process your case.

The cost of necessary medical services is paid by your employer or your employer's insurance carrier, if the case is not disputed.

NOTIFY your supervisor about the injury and the way in which it occurred, as soon as possible. An injured employee who fails to inform his or her employer, in writing or orally, within 30 days after the date of the accident causing the injury, may lose the right to workers' compensation benefits. In the case of occupational claims, notification should be given within two years after disablement, or within two years after the claimant knew or should have known that the disease was work-related, whichever is later).

CALL our office and COMPLETE a claim for workers' compensation on Form C-3.   The Harris Law Group will help you complete and file this form.  On December 1, 2010 the Worker's Compensation Board instituted massive changes in these forms and proceedures.  For this and other reasons it is advisable to seek the help of a qualified Worker’s Compensation lawyer. If a claim is not filed within two years from the date of the injury or disablement from an occupational disease, (or after disablement and after you knew, or should have known that the disease was work-related), you may lose your right to benefits.

THEREAFTER . . . .

• Follow doctor's instructions to speed full recovery.  Our staff will be in contact with your chosen physician and submit medical reports to the insurance carrier and Workers Compensation Board.

• Attend an Independent Medical Examination if you are required to do so.  Our office will inform you of all appointments.

• Go back to work as soon as you are able.  Many people are under the false impression that they need to stay out of work in order to be compensated.  This is not necessarily true.  The purpose of the Workers Compensation system is to help claimants monetarily and medically so they can rehabilatate themselves to return to work as soon as possible.  Of course, if you are unable to physically return to work, we will help secure on going benefits for you.  There are certain injuries that qualify for a possible schedule loss of use, that would generate a potential settlement even if you are working.

• Attend such hearings as may be held in the case.  Our office will notify you when to appear.