If you have been injured while at your job, you have a claim for workers' compensation. Please Contact me at (503) 620-3171 or at slgabin@pacifier.com to learn the steps you need follow.

As soon as you know you are hurt, tell your employer about it and explain exactly what happened. Ask your employer for a Form 801 to complete. When you complete the form, be very clear how exactly what happened and the date the injury occurred. If your employer will not cooperate, write down exactly what happened on piece of paper that you label "Accident Report," sign and date it, make a copy of it and give the original to your employer.

As soon as you are able, get medical attention. If you see a doctor, his staff should have blank 801s available for you to complete. And tell your doctor exactly how you were hurt. This is not the time to protect your employer. Telling the doctor from the very beginning what took place is just as important as telling your employer you have been hurt.

Good claims have been lost because an injured worker did not speak up soon enough or state clearly to the employer or doctor how s/he was injured. Although you might want to protect your employer and help him keep claim costs down, your number one loyalty is to you and getting the benefits you deserve. Do not fall into the trap of putting your employers' interests ahead of your need for valuable benefits.

Once you file a claim, expect the employer's insurance carrier to contact you. Cooperate with everything you are asked to do: Answer all questions truthfully and attend all medical appointments requested of you.