As an employer, you’re responsible for attempting to prevent workplace injuries in the first place by ensuring your employees have a safe place to work. But a job-related accident can still happen. And you need to know what to do when they occur.
Employer Responsibilities
An employer’s number one priority should be to make sure that the employee receives immediate medical attention for their workplace injury. The employer is also required to report the injury to the company’s insurance carrier. The insurance company will then report it to the South Carolina Commission.
You, as an employer, are responsible for making sure you don’t violate any laws or rights of the injured employee. When an injured employee returns to work, it’s up to you to welcome them back into the workplace once they’re physically capable of returning. Under law, you may not penalize or terminate an employee for submitting a workers’ compensation claim.
Employee Responsibilities
If you find yourself injured at work, you need to notify your supervisor or employer of the injury immediately. This way your employer can fill out a report, documenting your injury. This report is evidence that links your injury to the workplace, which will help you receive workers’ compensation if you need it. You can review the form to ensure its accuracy. You may ask your employer for a copy for your own records.
It’s important that you act responsibly at work at all times. But it’s especially important to be mindful of your behavior following an injury. Insurance companies have been known to hire private investigators to follow and videotape employees who’ve sustained injuries.
Workers’ compensation is a complex area of law that can be difficult to navigate alone. If you need assistance with filing your workers’ comp claim or have any questions regarding workers’ compensation following a work-related accident, contact The Clardy Law Firm. Our workers’ compensation attorneys are here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
