In the event that you are involved in a work-related illness or injury, it is vital that you notify your employer as soon as possible. By failing to do this, you could potentially lower the amount of a workers’ compensation benefit for which you may be eligible. Most states require that you provide your employer with notice of your injury within at least ten days of the initial accident, as this can help to prevent false claims for workers’ compensation from being filed.
How to Notify Your Employer
There are several ways to let your employer know about your injury. Telling them in writing is beneficial, as this leaves a paper trail that can provide you with proof that you notified your employer within the required amount of time. However, the written information that you include in your notice may be held against you by your employer or your employer’s workers’ compensation company. Therefore, it may be advisable to contact an attorney or a workman comp doctor in Lithia Springs prior to issuing this notice.
If You Fail to Notify Your Employer
In some cases, an injured worker may fail to notify their employer and may simply file for workers’ compensation. In these situations, contacting an attorney to discuss your options is often advisable. The state’s workers’ compensation commission does have the authority to waive the requirement for notice, but you and your attorney will need to show a sufficient reason as to why such a notice was not provided in time. You will also need to prove that failing to provide your employer or their insurance company with this notice did not result in a prejudice of any kind.
Informing an Employer of a Work-Related Death
In the event that a death results from a workplace accident, the employer must be notified within 30 days. However, if the death resulted from an occupational disease like mesothelioma, this deadline is extended to one year from the date of death.