Can I File for Workers’ Compensation if I Get Hurt on My First Day at Work?
Starting a new job is always a mix of excitement and nervousness. You want to impress your new employer, prove you’re the right fit and get the hang of your responsibilities. However, no matter how prepared you are, accidents can still happen, even on the first day. If you’re injured before you’ve even had the chance to settle in, you might wonder if you qualify to file for workers’ compensation. The short answer? Yes, you do. Read on to learn more!
Why Do So Many Workplace Injuries Happen on the First Day?
Getting injured on day one of the job is more common than you might think. Here are several reasons why:
- Insufficient training: Some jobs, especially those involving heavy machinery or hazardous tasks, require proper and extensive safety training. If you haven’t received sufficient instructions, you may be at a higher risk of injury.
- Lack of protective gear: If your employer hasn’t yet issued safety gear or if they failed to do so before assigning you the job, you may be vulnerable to accidents.
- Unexpected accidents: Slips, falls, and other workplace hazards can happen to anyone, even experienced employees, and being new doesn’t exempt you from such accidents.
Workers’ Compensation Covers Injuries From Day One
Many employees assume they need to work a certain amount of time before they are eligible for workers’ compensation. However, that’s not usually the case. Workers’ comp doesn’t depend on how long you’ve been employed; it covers you from the moment you begin work. As long as you are classified as an employee (not an independent contractor) and your injury happened while you were performing your job duties, you are eligible for workers’ comp benefits.
What To Do if You’re Injured on Your First Day at Work
If you suffer a workplace injury on day one, or any other day for that matter, taking the right steps is crucial to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
- Report the Injury
Inform your supervisor immediately after your workplace accident. The sooner you report it, the smoother the claims process will be. Prompt reporting ensures that you link the injury to your work, avoiding disputes that your injury isn’t work-related.
- Seek Medical Attention
Ensure you see a doctor following the injury. This could be the employer-recommended doctor or your own doctor. So, check the employer’s policy first, but ensure you get a medical record detailing your work injury.
- File a Workers’ Comp Claim
Your employer should file a workers’ comp claim with their insurance company within 72 hours of reporting the accident. Ensure you get a copy of that report for your keeping.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits You May Receive
Even if you’re injured on your first day, you are entitled to the same benefits as any other worker under your employer’s workers’ comp insurance. Depending on the severity of your injury and its impact on your ability to work, you may receive one or more of the following benefits:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Disability benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Death benefits (If an employee succumbs to a workplace injury, their family may be entitled to compensation)
A Vermont Workers’ Comp Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve been injured at work, even on your first day, you have the right to seek compensation. Contact our experienced Vermont workers’ comp lawyer at Sluka Law PLC at 802-457-1000 to discuss your case and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
