What the Employer Needs to Do After a Job-Related Accident
July 27, 2018
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If you’ve been injured on the job, you may be wondering about what happens next. The first thing you need to do is seek medical attention. Then, you need to notify your employer about the time and date of the injury and how it occurred. You also need to include what type of injury you suffered. You’ve 30 days from the date of the accident to send a written report to your employer. You should also send it to the Office of Workers’ Compensation in Washington, DC. If you believe your injury is covered workers’ compensation, you need to file a formal claim. You must file an Employee’s Claim Application within one year of suffering your injury. Your employer then has to follow certain steps under the law. If they breach the regulations, you should contact a Washington, DC workers’ comp attorney.

Duties of a Washington, DC Employer Following a Workplace Injury

Once you have reported your injury, your employer needs to provide you with certain information. Under Chapter 15 § 32–1532 of the code of the District of Columbia, your employer must:

  • Send a report to the Mayor within 10 days of your injury or date he becomes aware. It should include your name, address, and occupation as well as the cause and nature of your injury. The exact time and location of the accident should also be included.
  • Send a copy of the report and any other information requested by the Mayor to the Department of Employment Services.
  • Send you a statement of your rights and obligations under the law. This includes the right to seek compensation within one year of your injury.
  • Send any further information about your injury and condition to the Mayor as requested.

There are penalties in place in Washington, DC for employers who don’t adhere to the law. If you believe this is happening with your workers’ compensation claim, contact an attorney. A workers’ compensation lawyer in Washington, DC will listen to the details of your case and advise you accordingly. Under the law, an employer who refuses or fails to send any of the required reports will face a fine. It will be up to $1,000 for each refusal or failure. Even though the employer may be in breach, it will be difficult to handle the case on your own. You need time and energy to focus on your recovery. Let a Washington DC Workers’ Comp Attorney handle the legal battle.

CALL 866-709-0505 OR CONTACT US ONLINE FOR A FREE, CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION.

Common Employer Actions and How a Washington DC Workers’ Comp Attorney Can Help

Sometimes employers don’t act in good faith after employees file for workers’ compensation. They may deny your job-related injury claim. Even if your claim is legitimate and you filed it in time, this may still happen.  Many employees assume the employer has a good reason for denying the claim. They don’t seek legal help or ask further questions. This is what employers count on. They and their insurers know many workers don’t know the law well. That’s why you should always contact a workers’ comp attorney in Washington, DC. They can advise you as to the strength of your case.

Your employer could also try to punish you for filing a claim. Workers’ compensation claims can cause their premiums to increase or raise red flags about their safety practices. Many employers would prefer if you didn’t file a claim. If you do, they may fire you, demote you, or cut your hours. This is discrimination. However, you can prove that your claim is the only reason why your employer has changed your status. This can be difficult, especially when you’re recovering from an illness or adjusting to a new normal. This is another strong reason why you need the help of a Washington, DC workers’ comp attorney. You don’t have to accept unfair treatment from an employer. You need to fight for your rights with an ally by your side.

Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Washington, DC for a Consultation

Knowledge is power. Now that you know what your Washington, DC employer should do, you can see how your situation compares. If you suspect that your employer isn’t following the law, call a Washington, DC workers’ compensation lawyer without delay. They can advise you on your case and draft a strategy for getting you what you deserve. Schedule a consultation with the experienced attorneys at Ashcraft & Gerel today. They will fight for you and ensure your employer adheres to the law.

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