What to do if you are injured
by: Wyoming Legal Services - Lander Office
Here is what you should do after being injured. If you follow these steps, you have a greater chance of receiving fair compensation.
Reporting the injury
You must tell your employer within 72 hours (3 days) of being injured.
You must file an injury report with the state within 10 days of being injured. Your employer should have the form. If not, you can pick one up. Click here to find where you can get forms in your county. Mail the form to this address:
Workers' Safety and Compensation Division
P.O. Box 20207
Cheyenne, WY 82003
You should get an answer from the state within 15 days after it gets your form.
Taking notes
Two things need to be written down when you are injured.
- What happened to cause the injury? Describe what happened before, during, and after the injury. Note the time and place, witnesses, what was said, and how you felt.
- What is the injury? What physical and/or emotional injuries did you suffer? What medical treatments did you receive?
Many employers have forms that their workers fill out when they are injured. But it is still a good idea to take you own notes. Write them down as soon as you can after the injury. If you are unable, a trusted relative or co-worker may help you take notes.
Continue to take notes even long after the injury. In the notes write about:
- How the injury has changed your day to day life,
- If you had to change plans, such as cancel a vacation, because of the injury,
- Treatment you are getting,
- Progress you have made.
It's very important to have a clear record of what happened. Depending on the injury, you may have to use your notes for years.
Keeping evidence
These are things you should d
- Keep copies of any documents about the injury, including your notes.
- Take pictures of the following:
- Torn clothing,
- Broken equipment,
- The location of the injury,
- The injury itself.
Should you get a lawyer?
These are the reasons for getting a lawyer:
- You aren't covered by worker's compensation. You can sue your employer to pay for medical costs and lost pay.
- Bad equipment or someone not employed by your company caused the injury. You can sue these people even if you are covered by worker's compensation.
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