Getting injured at work doesn’t really seem to cross anyone’s mind until it happens to them. It could be something simple like slipping and bruising yourself, or it could be a more serious injury that may require a long time to heal. But do you know what to do if you get hurt at work? Here are a few things you should make sure that you don’t forget.

Report the Injury

The very first thing you should do is make sure that no one else is going to get hurt and report the accident to your supervisor. You should let them know where you are hurt and how it happened. Your company most likely has a process for reporting any injuries to make sure that HR gets the proper information. If your injury doesn’t need immediate treatment, you should fill out this paperwork immediately. There is a time limit for notifying your employer so you can be covered by insurance.

Seek Medical Care

If the injury is an emergency, the injured employee should go directly to the emergency room at the closest hospital. In a nonemergency situation, your employer will tell you where to go to get treatment. Your employer’s insurance will cover your treatment, provided you stay within their network and you get the treatment approved, so it is important that you get instructions from your employer before you do anything.

You should also inform the doctor, hospital, or clinic employees that you are there under your employer’s insurance for treatment for a work injury. This will make sure that the bills are appropriately directed. You should make sure that you get a copy of any records, just in case you need them to prove that your injury and treatment were legitimate.

File for Compensation

Once you have seen a doctor and you know what kind of treatment you are going to need, you should file for worker’s compensation. You will need to file with your state Worker’s Compensation Board. If the injured employee doesn’t file the claim within two years from the time of injury, they will lose their right to benefits.

Contact an Attorney

It may also be in your best interest to retain an attorney to assist in getting your compensation. According to Alpert Schreyer, you are entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation, but your employer’s insurance or the Worker’s Compensation Board may make it difficult for you to get all the compensation that you deserve. Your attorney will help you navigate the paperwork and various hurdles to make sure you get everything you deserve.

A work-related accident can be incredibly difficult to deal with, especially if you lose money because of it. Don’t just accept that. You were injured at work, so they owe you compensation for what you have lost. Don’t be afraid to fight for this.