As a parent, one of the scariest things that you can imagine is losing your source of income. Without a reliable source of incoming money, you won’t be able to provide for yourself or your children. If you lose your source of income due to getting injured on the job, the fear can be even more intense since you wonder how you’ll be able to find work when your body is hurt.
However, the most important thing to know if you’re hurt on the job is that you have rights. Employers are required to provide their workers with a safe and healthy environment, so if they failed to provide this, then you have the opportunity to demand justice. Here are the steps to take to do so.
File For Workers Compensation
You will need to let your employer know immediately that you’ve been injured on the job so that you can file a claim for workers compensation. Since many states have a very strict policy for the amount of time that you have to file a claim by, you should do it without wasting a single moment.
You aren’t only helping protect yourself by filing a claim for your injuries, but you’re giving your employer the tools to potentially change their safety measures so that they can avoid another employee getting hurt in the future due to the same circumstances.
File For Unemployment
In order to ensure that you’ll be able to pay for your basic necessities like rent and food, you should file for unemployment.
That way you know that you’ll be able to take care of your kids even if you are injured without an incoming source of money.
The unemployment office will be able to tell you how much you may be eligible for, and what forms of help you have available to you. Options such as food stamps can be a great resource when you are in a pinch and have mouths to feed.
Get Medical Attention
It’s vital that you see a doctor so that they can make a proper assessment of all of your injuries. They’ll be able to determine what course of action is necessary for your healing and whether you require long-term treatment.
They’ll tell you whether you need to stay on bed rest or if you can start looking for work again. Without a doctor’s advice, it’s just speculation.
Ask For Help From Friends And Family
Don’t be too proud to reach out and ask for help from family and friends. You’ll be surprised to find that they’re much more willing to help you than you may have imagined.
They’ll be there to help you make it back on your feet and potentially help with childcare while you’re healing and looking for new work.
Originally posted on October 15, 2018 @ 3:58 am
