When an injury or illness occurs
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Tell your employer about the injury or illness as soon as possible.
Prompt and accurate reporting is crucial in processing your claim. Your employer should be notified as soon as possible that you
have suffered an industrial accident or illness. Be aware of your employer's policy on the use of a designated physician. Be sure to report your
accident or illness to your supervisor even if no medical treatment is received.
- You should notify a physician as soon as possible if you feel your injury is work-related. Medical documentation of your injury
will be needed in order to pay benefits on your claim.
- Reporting a claim to your co-worker is not considered reporting a claim to your employer. You must notify an employee in a
supervisory position.
Have your employer fill out a First Report of Injury or Illness form as soon as possible.
If you need to seek medical treatment or miss one day or more from work, your employer must
complete a First Report of Injury or Illness form and send it to the State Insurance Fund.
- A claim cannot be opened and a claim number assigned by the State Insurance Fund until the First Report of Injury or
Illness form is received.
Communicate with your employer, the State Insurance Fund and your physician.
Good communication helps avoid problems with your claim. Keep your employer and the Fund informed of your status,
including when you can be expected to return to work. Don't be afraid to ask your physician questions. It is important that you understand
your injury and what can be expected.
The Fund's largest department, Claims, is made up of professionals who make decisions concerning medical and compensation
benefits for injured workers. As an injured worker, you will be assigned a claims examiner who will keep you informed by phone and mail
about the status of your claim. You are encouraged to make this a two-way communication.
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