What to know about reporting a work-related injury

If you sustain a work-related injury or contract a disease at work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. However, you need to observe certain things to protect your right to this compensation. And one of them is reporting the case to your employer. 

Here is what to know about reporting a workplace injury or illness:

Report it as soon as possible

You should report a work-related injury immediately. If you contract an illness, report it as soon as you notice concerning symptoms. You have 10 days to report an accidental personal injury. But the sooner you inform your employer, the better, as this allows them to fill out the first report of injury (FROI) with the Workers’ Compensation Commission earlier. In turn, you can receive your benefits sooner.

Reporting a workplace injury or illness on time can also help you link it to your work duties. When you take too long to report, you will be exposed to different elements outside work, a factor your employer’s insurer can use to contest your claim.

Besides, reporting a work-related injury or illness earlier allows you to get medical attention. Delaying to get treatment can cause a condition to worsen.

Provide an oral or written notice

Employees in Maryland can provide an oral or written notice of their injuries to their employer. Although both are accepted, it can be beneficial to report in writing for documentation purposes. Your notice shall include your name and address and in-depth details of the injury (its nature, time, location of occurrence and cause). You will then sign the notice.

If you are injured at work or contract an occupational illness, you need to be adequately informed from the word go to protect your benefits.