Your body is your most important asset, and you try your best to keep it healthy and strong. Unfortunately, sometimes accidents happen despite your best intentions; sometimes those accidents happen while you're on the clock. Here are four things you should do if you're injured on the job:

1. Report the injury to your supervisor

When you get hurt at work, the first thing you should do is notify your manager. Your supervisor will make a note of the incident, which you may later need if you file for workers' compensation. If you need immediate medical attention, talking to your manager will prompt them to let you leave to seek emergency care services. Don't try to "walk it off" and keep working because that could worsen your injury.

2. See a doctor

Even if you think it's nothing serious, if you've been injured at work, you should go see a doctor. A doctor can check you out to make sure you didn't sustain any hidden damage due to an accident, such as a concussion or internal bleeding. A doctor can also assess the extent of your injury and let you know if you're fit to continue working or not.

3. Hire an attorney

Handling the legal aspects of a workplace injury can be confusing. You need to report all aspects of your accident in a succinct and timely manner, and you may need to show additional proof to support your claim. If you'd like extra peace of mind while dealing with insurance companies and your employer, hire an experienced attorney that specializes in workers' comp. They can help you make your case and navigate this situation. To hire a lawyer, contact a law firm like Prediletto, Halpin, Scharnikow & Nelson, P.S.

4. Apply for worker's comp

Next, you'll need to file a claim for workers' comp. You'll need to fill out all the forms that your employer gives you, and then return them promptly. If you're uncertain how to fill out the forms yourself, your lawyer can assist you. According to NOLO, you will usually have a year to complete this step. Once you're done with the forms, your employer will give the paperwork to the necessary parties. Then, you simply need to wait for the insurance company's verdict. If your claim is denied for whatever reason, your attorney can walk you through the necessary steps to file an appeal.

Being unable to work due to an injury can be incredibly frustrating, but it doesn't have to be a financial hardship. Workers' comp is there to help you get the money you're entitled to following an accident. Follow these steps to apply for workers' compensation following your workplace injury.