Why is it important to report my work accident to my employer?

We understand that in these tough economic times it might be tempting to ignore your work-related injury in fear of losing your job. But you must realize that under North Carolina law, you cannot lose your job if you are injured at work – regardless of who is at fault for the accident.

If you were injured in an accident on the job in North Carolina, it is imperative that you report the accident to your manager or supervisor, so that they can report it to the employer.

Reporting your work accident right away ensures that you really can link the injury to the incident that happened on the job. Nothing is worse than reporting an injury days or weeks later, only to have your employer doubt whether or not the injury really occurred off of work premises or outside of work hours.

And in order for you to receive the proper compensation for your injuries, the incident must be properly documented. Inform your supervisor of the incident, and make sure that he or she properly documents the situation with a report of what happened. Be sure to include any witness statements from people who may have seen what happened.

The report should also include any off-work slips provided by the physician, if it is determined that you are not able to immediately return to work after being hurt on the job.

Another good idea is to request your free copy of Attorney Joseph Miller’s new book, The 9 Biggest Myths About North Carolina Workplace Injuries, by calling 877.694.7994 or filling out our online form. It also includes a step-by-step guide to dealing with North Carolina work accidents.