After 30 years of experience handling insurance claims relating to occupational injuries and workplace accidents, we have many tips and recommendations for those who have been injured. Every case is different, and what is written here may not necessarily apply to your situation. Here are our recommendations for occupational injuries:
Contact us if you would like specific advice for your situation.
Our Advice Following an Occupational Injury:
- Seek medical attention immediately, as soon as possible after the accident. Do not wait to see whether the symptoms disappear. This is important in order to document your acute symptoms. Make sure that all symptoms, injuries and complaints are recorded in your medical records.
- Report the injury to your employer and the insurance company. Ensure that the injury report form is completed carefully.
- Contact an experienced lawyer so that you gain an overview of your rights.
- Are your symptoms not improving? Seek assistance and attend treatment regularly to document your injuries. Ensure that doctors and healthcare providers record why you are attending and document all of your symptoms. Your medical records are important evidence that you are suffering from symptoms and what the cause is.
- Your employer must report the injury to NAV; if this is not done, you may report it yourself.
- Keep all receipts for expenses related to your injury. Even if the amount appears small when paid, it can quickly accumulate into substantial sums before the case is settled.
- Check with NAV/Helfo whether they cover the expense and apply for reimbursement continuously. If your claim is rejected, the insurance company may cover the difference.
- Check which other insurance policies you have — are any of them relevant to your injury?
- If your sick leave period is approaching its end and you are not ready to return to full-time work, apply for work assessment allowance well in advance.
- If you are receiving work assessment allowance, ensure that you maintain good communication with NAV and actively participate in the process. NAV has many tools and measures that may help you return to work or transition into a new career. Documentation from NAV is also relevant to your case with the insurance company.
- If a specialist assessment becomes necessary, discuss your case and the choice of specialist with a lawyer experienced in occupational injury cases before accepting the insurance company’s proposal. This choice may have significant consequences for your case.
- Apply for compensation for permanent injury from NAV if your symptoms do not improve.
- If disability benefits become relevant, you should discuss this with your NAV contact well before your work assessment period ends.
No two cases are the same, contact us and receive advice tailored to you and your situation. We have 30 years of experience and can assist you with your case.
