In the event of an on-the-job injury, there are several things an employee should do. First, the injury needs to be reported directly to your supervisor and/or human resources. Employers should have standard injury reporting procedures and those should be followed. You may be asked to fill out a form called “first report of injury,” and you should be detailed in your answers on that form. Include details like the time, place, and body part of the injury as well as if anybody saw the injury occur.
After reporting the injury, you should seek medical care. Employers will sometimes try to send you to a doctor or clinic of their choice, but you have a choice as to where you receive treatment. Make sure you are clear in your paperwork and verbal responses at the treatment center about your injury details and that it is a work injury. If you intentionally answer questions without mentioning it being a work injury (maybe because you don’t want to upset your employer) you could make it more difficult to enforce your rights under the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Act. Keep in mind your employer is likely required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, and not using it only makes life more difficult for you.
Lastly, you need to seek representation by an experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation attorney so your rights can be adequately protected. If you have been injured at work, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a confidential consultation with our firm partner, Ed Williams.