If you have been injured at work, one of your first concerns is making sure that your boss files an accident report. But what happens if your boss refuses to file a report, or tells you a report has been filed, but you later learn it has not?
Why Bosses Refuse to File Accident Reports
There are a few reasons why a boss may refuse to file an accident report. These reasons include:
- Failure to have legally-mandated workers’ compensation insurance
- Refusal to file in order to avoid rate increases
- Belief that the injury is not significant enough to warrant a claim
- Belief that they are not liable for the injury
- Delayed filing under the belief that you would not qualify for a claim
Any of these scenarios are unjust and illegal. Employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance. If you are injured on the job, they are required to file a claim so that you get the benefits you deserve.
What Can You Do?
If you have been injured and your boss is refusing to file an accident report, or is claiming that you do not qualify for workers’ compensation coverage, contact an attorney immediately. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you:
- Understand your legal rights as an employee
- Verify that you reported the accident in a timely manner
- Verify your injuries via medical records
- Ensure that you get the proper medical treatment
- File a workers’ compensation claim
Workplace injuries are covered under a variety of state and federal laws. You should never settle for your employer’s opinion or beliefs about an accident. You also don’t have to settle for an accident situation being managed “off the books”. That is not the proper way to protect employees.
Contact a workers’ compensation attorney to discuss your workplace accident if you have any questions or concerns about accident reports or claims.
