Union workers in the Washington, DC area often face higher risks of job-related injuries because the work is physically demanding. We regularly represent plumbers, steamfitters, electricians, ironworkers, and other skilled tradespeople who get hurt on the job and need help with Workers\u2019 Compensation.<\/p>\n
If you are a union worker and get injured at work, here are the critical steps to protect your rights and benefits.<\/p>\n
You have 30 days to notify your employer of a workplace injury. This is one of the most important steps in a Workers\u2019 Compensation claim, and it must be done the right way.<\/p>\n
Simply saying that your back hurts, your knee is sore, or mentioning it casually to a coworker is not enough. You must notify someone with authority in the company\u2014such as a supervisor, foreman, or HR representative. When reporting, make sure you clearly state:<\/p>\n
Insurance companies will use any delay or vague report as a reason to deny or investigate your claim, which can delay medical treatment and benefits.<\/p>\n
Most employers have an official injury or incident report form. Fill this out as soon as possible and keep a copy for your records. This provides clear documentation of your workplace injury.<\/p>\n
While you are required to notify your employer, you are not required to give a recorded statement to the Workers\u2019 Compensation insurance company. Adjusters may call and request an interview, but their goal is to limit or deny your claim. Speaking to them without legal advice can hurt your case.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t agree to a recorded statement without calling us first.<\/strong><\/p>\n Sometimes, the contractor you work for or the Workers’ Comp insurance company will tell you that you need to see a Workers’ Comp doctor for your injury.<\/p>\n This is not true. The insurance company wants to send you to an insurance doctor or a \u201cworkers\u2019 clinic\u201d that only gets patients from other insurance companies. You deserve the best medical care and treatment. Whether you have a torn rotator cuff, a herniated disc in your back, or an ACL injury in your knee<\/a><\/strong><\/span>,<\/span> these conditions will all require specialists to ensure you get the best treatment for your specific injury.<\/p>\n Remember, the insurance doctor or workers’ clinic works for the insurance company, not for you.<\/p>\n In Virginia, the insurance company is allowed to give you a list of three physicians to choose from.<\/p>\nUnion workers injured in DC or Maryland can choose their own medical providers.<\/h2>\n