First steps after an injury occurs:
- Report your accident to your supervisor or someone in HR as soon as it occurs. If your accident is the result of repetitive motion, report it as soon as you have any reason to believe it was caused by your duties. Note: It is standard practice and completely legal for the employer to demand you take a drug test when an accident occurs. If you do a drug test you can be fired, if it is positive. You cannot be fired for having a on the job accident.
- Tell your employer all the specific body parts where you are experiencing pain after an accident. If you have something start hurting after the initial accident, be sure to let your employer and doctor know.
- Request medical treatment if you need it.
- Go to the medical provider you are sent to by your employer. If you employer is paying for your treatment, they control where you go.
- Tell your medical provider where you are experiencing pain.
- Communicate restrictions to your employer. (Providers will often write out-of-work notes. Take those to your employer to be sure you clearly communicate any limitations.)
- Go to all the medical appointments you are provided by the carrier. If you have to miss an appointment, make sure the reason is legitimate and well documented. The Carrier can cut your benefits if your fail to treat. https://law.justia.com/codes/south-carolina/2013/title-42/chapter-15/section-42-15-80
- If your employer provides you work within your restrictions, you need to do it. If they cannot accommodate your restrictions, weekly benefits should start. https://regulations.justia.com/states/south-carolina/chapter-67/article-5/section-67-503/
- Record and date any new medical problems that arise and inform your doctor.
- Consult an attorney for any questions you have. https://www.kphippslaw.com/denied-claim/
