Work injuries happen suddenly, and afterward, you may not know what to do. Our Jamestown workers’ compensation lawyer explains the steps to take.

Sustaining a workplace injury or occupational illness is traumatic enough. Determining what your legal rights are and the next actions to take will only compound your frustration. A Jamestown workers’ compensation lawyer can help you obtain the full benefits you need.

Notify Your Employer of the Injury

The first thing to do after a workplace accident is to notify your employer of the injury. You must do this within 30 days of the accident, but it is important to provide notice as soon as possible. Notifying your employer immediately will minimize the chance of your employer disputing the injury. If you do not report your injury to your employer within 30 days, you may lose your right to workers’ compensation benefits.

You can provide formal notice to your employer, such as by filing an incident report. Or, notice can also be informal, such as a short text explaining how the accident occurred and the injury you sustained. However, you notify your employer, make sure it is in writing.

File Form C3

The next step is to file the C3 form with the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. Filing the form online is the fastest way to do it, but you can also visit any Board office to submit it in person. You can also mail or fax the form to the Board or call the Board and have a representative fill it out for you. You must file this form within two years of the workplace accident that resulted in injury, but again, it is best to file it as soon as possible to minimize disputes.

The C3 form seems relatively straightforward, but the questions are worded in a complicated manner. Even just one mistake on the form may be viewed by the insurance company as fraud, and they will use this to deny your claim. It is always recommended that you work with a Jamestown workers’ compensation lawyer who can help you complete the form.

Collect Evidence

Filing a workers’ compensation claim is different from filing a lawsuit, but it is still important to collect evidence. Your employer, their insurance company, and even the Board may dispute your claim. Take photographs of the accident scene and your injuries. If anyone saw the accident, ask for their phone number in case you need their testimony later. Although you may not need to use this evidence, it is always better to have it than not.

Call Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Jamestown Today

You may have the right to workers’ compensation benefits after a workplace accident but receiving them is never easy. At Sawers & Sackel, our Jamestown workers’ compensation lawyer can advise on the steps to take, assist you with the form and other paperwork, and give you the best chance of obtaining a favorable outcome. Call us now at 716-321-5564 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys and to learn more about how we can help with your case.