Most people hurt on the job will qualify for their employer's insurance coverage. Workers' compensation covers employees of most businesses at no cost to the employee. If the worker requires medical treatment, a claim must be submitted, and they can expect several benefits if the claim is approved. It's important for hurt workers to do things correctly from the beginning. Read on and find out how to get things right from the start. 

Before you do anything else, seek medical attention

You cannot claim any benefits if you are not seen by a doctor. First, see anyone you like. In time, however, you will be told to see only certain approved workers' comp doctors. Tell both the office staff and the doctor you see that your medical issues are a result of your job.

Report the illness or injury to your direct supervisor

The sooner you can do so, the better. However, if you are badly injured because of the injury, don't stress out about it. In most cases, employers already know about injuries that send workers to the hospital. Follow up with your employer as soon as you feel well enough to do so.

File a claim

To be paid benefits, the workers' compensation insurer must receive a completed claim form. This is where things can vary according to the state in which the injury occurred. In some cases, the employer is supposed to file a claim form and the employee looks it over and signs it. In other cases, the employee fills out the form and the supervisor signs it before it's submitted. Regardless of how the form is submitted, be careful when you sign it. Check to make sure the information is correct. Otherwise, your claim could be held up or denied.

Get your paperwork organized

You cannot predict how long you will be hurt by your injury. If you are badly injured, you may be told to remain at home for a time. This results in disability payments. Begin keeping a file with all the letters, claim forms, medical test results, and so on in it for easy access. If you speak to someone from your job or the insurer, take notes and keep them.

While many injury situations are smooth sailing, not all workers are that lucky. A number of problems can arise after a workplace injury and not everything can be resolved with a phone call to the insurer. Contact a local workers' compensation lawyer to learn more.