Last Updated: 11/9/2023
When you’re injured in the workplace, there are a variety of steps you need to take to ensure you get the compensation you deserve, including filing a claim for workers’ compensation. If you’ve injured your shoulder while performing a task at work, refer to the following for what you should do.
Injuries are a common occurrence in the workplace. In the state of Iowa in 2012, there were 4.5 total recordable cases of nonfatal occupational injuries per 100 full-time workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Seek Medical Attention if You Injured Your Should While Performing a Task at Work
If you’ve sustained a shoulder injury, the first thing that you should do is seek medical attention from one of the following.
- a first aid team.
- emergency room doctor.
- or, other type of doctor or specialist.
This person(s) will provide you with the care you need, a diagnosis of the type of shoulder injury, and give you valuable medical information about your shoulder injury that will be essential when pursuing workers’ compensation benefits.
Notify Your Employer if You Injured Your Should While Performing a Task at Work
After receiving medical attention, the next most important thing you should do is to notify your employer of the injury. According to Iowa Worker’s Compensation Law Section 85.23, the law requires that the employer have notice of the employee’s injury within 90 days of the injury. As such, the sooner you inform your employer of the injury, the better. If you fail to inform your employer of your injury within the 90-day period, you risk forfeiting benefits.
Document the Work-related Shoulder Injury
When a workplace injury occurs, it is important to keep a thorough record of the injury and any related information.
- when the injury occurred.
- where the injury occurred.
- what you were doing when the injury occurred.
- why you were doing what you were doing when the injury occurred.
- any medical information about the injury.
- the conversation you had with your employer regarding the injury.
- and, any other relative information regarding your shoulder injury.
This documentation may prove to be essential in getting you the benefits you deserve when applying for workers’ compensation.
File a Claim for Workers’ Compensation
The majority of employees in Iowa are covered by workers’ compensation in the event that they receive an injury while at work, and, a shoulder injury that is the result of employment activities is also covered.
If you have been injured at work, it’s important that you file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Your employer or work supervisor should help you to file a report of injury, which will then be sent to a claims’ management service.
If your claim is approved, you will begin receiving benefits immediately. If your claim is denied, you will be sent a letter in the mail. In the case that your claim for workers’ compensation is denied, you need to seek the help of a workers’ compensation attorney immediately.
Seek the Help of a Lawyer if You Injured Your Should While Performing a Task at Work
The law is designed to protect those injured while working. Unfortunately, some workers’ compensation claims are unfairly denied. If your claim is denied, or if you do not think you have received the benefits to which you are entitled under the law, seek the assistance of a legal professional.
At attorney can help you to gather the documentation you need and will work to get you the benefits you deserve. If your claim has been denied or if you need help with the workers’ compensation claims filing process, don’t wait any longer to take action. At Walker, Billingsley & Bair, our attorneys are ready to work for you. To start fighting for your rights today, call our offices at (888) 435-9886 or contact us online.