INJURED AT WORK? NOW WHAT?

Nobody goes to work expecting to get injured or fall ill. In the grand scheme of things, we wished nobody got injured at all. The reality is though, that workplace accidents do happen and can sometimes be life-altering for both the injured worker and their family.

If you have been injured at work in Ontario, it's essential to take the following steps to ensure your well-being and protect your rights:

1. **Seek Immediate Medical Attention:** Your health and safety should be the top priority. If the injury is severe, seek medical attention right away (have a coworker or employer call 911 rather than having a co-worker drive you to the hospital. If your condition changes during transport, you want to be in an ambulance. In non-emergency situations, inform your employer and request permission to see a healthcare professional.

2. **Report the Incident to Your Employer:** Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible, ideally on the same day. Provide all relevant details about the accident and the injuries sustained. Your employer should have an incident reporting process in place.

3. **Notify the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB):** If the injury prevents you from working for more than seven days, report it to the WSIB. They will evaluate your claim and determine if you are eligible for benefits. Complete a Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) Form 6 - Worker's Report of Injury/Disease. This form must be submitted to the WSIB within 6 months of the date of injury. Employers must also file a Form 7 (Employer's Report) which is required to be filed within three days of the injury.

4. **Keep Detailed Records:** Maintain a record of the incident, including the date, time, location, witnesses, and any relevant details. Also, keep track of your medical appointments, treatments, and expenses related to the injury. TIP: start keeping a journal. You will be surprised how much important information workers forget in the event the claim ends up being prolonged or is going to an appeal.

5. **Follow Medical Advice and Rehabilitation:** Cooperate with your healthcare professionals and follow their treatment plans. Attend all medical appointments and participate in any necessary rehabilitation programs to aid your recovery. THIS IS AN OBLIGATION that injured workers have under the law and a failure to adhere to medically prescribed treatment can lead to benefit termination.

6. **Know Your Rights and Obligations:** Familiarize yourself with your rights and obligations as an injured worker in Ontario. The WSIB provides some resources and information on its website to help you understand the process. My firm offers a free consultation if you need greater detail.

7. **Stay in Contact with Your Employer and WSIB:** Keep communication lines open with both your employer and the WSIB. Inform them about any changes in your condition or treatment progress. In Ontario, the law also provides that failure to notify the WSIB of other material changes such as a change of address, etc. can impact benefits.

8. **Consult with a Legal Professional (Optional):** If your claim is denied or you encounter issues with your employer or the WSIB, you may consider consulting with a Paralegal or Lawyer who is knowledgeable in aspects of workers' compensation law to understand your options and protect your rights.

Remember that reporting the injury promptly and following the proper procedures is essential for ensuring you receive the appropriate compensation without delay along with proper support and treatment during your recovery.

If you've been injured at work and require a consultation to learn more about your obligations and rights, as well as to have your case assessed, please call us. Our consultations are always FREE and WITHOUT OBLIGATION.

Also, my firm specializes in Appeals. If your claim, or any aspect if it is denied and you want to pursue an appeal, book a free no obligation case assessment. In most cases, you won't pay any fees until the case succeeds.

TCI Workers Compensation Legal Services is owned and operated by Fulvio Evangelista, a licensed paralegal, who has been exclusively representing injured workers in Ontario since 1994.