It is essential to know what to do if you are injured at work. These are the steps you should take if you get hurt on the job.
Worldwide, there are over 340 million occupational accidents every year. Being injured at work will not only leave you shaken, but you can also easily rack up medical bills depending on the severity of your injury. It’s important to know what steps you need to take after your injury and what you need to do to ensure you’re protected.
So, keep reading to find out what you need to do if you’re injured at work.
Document the Accident Scene
Once you’ve sustained an injury, it is important to document the scene of the accident. This includes taking photos and videos of the scene and making note of any other factors, such as wet spots or poor lighting.
It’s also a good idea to get statements from witnesses that saw the accident and can corroborate your story. This way, there won’t be a case of he said, she said.
Report the Accident
Once you’ve documented the accident, you need to report the incident to your employer. You need to report the accident as soon as possible, but it needs to be done within thirty days, or you might not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. It is important to be aware of the statute of limitations to ensure you don’t lose any legal rights you may have.
Seek Medical Care
It is important to seek medical care after a workplace injury to ensure you didn’t sustain more damage than you thought. If you’re unable to return to work due to the injury, you’ll also need a letter from your doctor stating this.
Consider Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
A workplace injury can be devastating. If you’re unable to return to work for a stretch of time, you could lose out on needed income. Your medical bills after your injury can also quickly pile up if you aren’t lucky.
While workers’ compensation is supposed to cover your medical expenses and reimburse you for missed work hours, it isn’t always easy to get these benefits. If you feel that you haven’t received proper reimbursement or your accident has changed your quality of life, you might need to consider hiring a personal injury lawyer.
A personal injury lawyer will be able to guide you through the process of filing a claim and help you make a case.
Handle Being Injured at Work
After you’ve been injured at work, you’ll most likely be shaken up and unsure of your next steps. Luckily you simply need to follow the steps of this guide to ensure you’re taking the needed precautions and steps. Asking for legal help when dealing with workplace injuries is always a good idea, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
Feel free to contact Herring Law Firm with any and all workplace injury questions you might have. Herring Law Firm strives to obtain the best possible results for clients time and time again.