For many years now, legislation has been in place across Australia to safeguard people when they are working for others in a variety of different occupations. These types of safeguard are designed to ensure that any worker gets access to the right type of medical treatment, together with the necessary amount of financial assistance should they be hurt while performing their chores. Nevertheless, it's very important to ensure that you follow procedure, if you're unfortunate to be in this situation. In particular, you need to know what steps you should avoid taking.
Can You Remember the Details?
More than anything else, you have to try and maintain your focus and keep a "clear head" when such misfortune strikes. It's difficult to do so during the traumatic time immediately after such an injury. You do have to keep detailed records and write down all the details, so that you can use this information later. Smaller details may seem to be less important than others, but you may need to recall them at a subsequent stage of any investigation. Remember also to give as much data as possible to the doctor, who has to create a record for the compensation files. Don't rely on your memory only, as the finer information could fade with time.
Be Careful What You Sign
Investigators may be assigned to look into the circumstances of the accident and you may be required to give them information as time goes by. Only give information that you are legally obliged to and be careful of signing any paperwork without legal advice first. Insurance companies may ask you to give statements that could be detrimental down the road.
Don't Be Put off
Remember, that this is a process and sometimes it can take an unforeseen turn. For example, it's not unheard of for a compensation claim to be rejected, but maybe incorrectly. You have a number of choices in this case. You can opt for conciliation, or you can bring in your own attorney for independent help. In a few cases it may be necessary to pursue all the way through the legal system to a court of law. Remember, you should always go after what you are entitled to.
Standing up for Your Position
Many people worry about their job security in a situation such as this. While you may be concerned about how long it will take to recover, you may also be afraid to get on the wrong side of your bosses if you launch a claim. In most cases this is an unnecessary worry, as an employer cannot discriminate against you should this be the case and don't forget, they have insurance in place to cover injuries at work, anyway.
Forge Ahead
While there is a certain procedure to take in the event of a work-related accident, always adhere to deadlines and never delay when it comes to putting your case forward. As soon as you have the information from your doctor, you should proceed with the paperwork and keep on top of it. It's always a good idea to get help from a lawyer specialising in workers' compensation, should you have any questions whatsoever.
Share17 May 2017
I love watching legal dramas from all different countries. I often call up my friend who is a lawyer to ask her about whether the cases I have seen on the latest drama are realistic or if they wouldn't happen that way in Australia. It's so interesting to me to see the changes that they make to make the stories flow more convincingly as well as the differences between the law in Australian compared to other countries. This blog is for other fans of legal dramas like me and has some tips on the best places to get real legal advice (hint, it's not on the TV!).