There are several things that are important for you to know if you get hurt at work.

Tell somebody, make sure that an accident report is written and ask for a copy.

If the company wants to send you to a medical facility, you must be aware that they are not promising to pay for your treatment .

You have a right to see your own doctor. If you feel more comfortable with your own physician, then you have a right to visit them for follow up treatment.

This is the most important thing. If you sign any papers that say Bureau of Workers' Compensation, you have just filed a claim. Read everything that you sign. Do not ignore this. If you start getting information in the mail about workers' compensation, get some help. Either contact the union hall or a workers' compensation attorney. Always ask questions and don't ignore any paperwork that you are receiving.

REQUEST A COPY OF YOUR CLAIM FORM. Keep copies of everything. Don't assume that anybody else is taking care of this for you. It is your responsibility and you will eventually pay the price if you don't follow through.

If your plant injury disables you from working you should also call for sickness and accident papers This will generate a benefit check while you are waiting for workers' compensation approval. Save a copy of this form for us.

Union representation for Workers' Compensation is not automatic! You must sign up! If you wish Union representation - bring the copy of your claim form to the Union Hall along with copies of your sickness and accident form (if any). SIGN A R-2 REPPESENTATION CARD AT THE UNION HALL. If you retain an attorney the Union cannot represent you.

Normal Workers' Compensation hours at the Union Hall are 8:30 am - 4:00 pm.

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER go to a workers' compensation hearing by yourself. Do not ignore hearing notices. The company hires law firms to represent them and you can rest assured that they will be at that hearing, even if you are not.

The statute of limitations for the filing of an injury claim is two years. For an occupational disease it is two years after the first day of disability or such longer period not exceeding six months after diagnosis and opinion by a licensed physician.

If you need assistance, we are here to help. Phone number 330-538-2213 (ext 106) for the secretary, (ext 108) for the representative.