Accidents can’t really be predicted or avoided. They happen because of various factors and one of which includes the negligence of others as well as faults within the layout of a certain area. When it comes to workplace environments, the least we can expect is that our employers are going to take the necessary steps to ensure our safety.
When workplace accidents happen, you should know that there are some steps that you need to take to insure your health and financial well-being. If it’s the fault of the company, then it’s more important that you know what steps you need to take for your security and benefit.
Here’s how you can properly deal with getting injured at work.
Check Yourself For Any Injuries
Of course, the most important thing you should be concerned about first is your health and well-being. Make sure that you don’t have any serious injuries that need to be attended to first. If there are major injuries after the accident, then it’s a must that you call for medical attention as soon as you can.
The worst types of injuries are those that you don’t see immediately. These are internal injuries which include internal bleeding, concussions, and minor fractures. If you’re not feeling well, it’s best to stay still and wait for the paramedics to arrive. It will be up to them to give you the medical attention that you need.
Know Your Rights
Workers’ comp laws do vary from state to state. However, they seek to protect and help workers who get injured at work because of something that’s completely not their fault. Again, this includes negligence by co-workers as well as faults in equipment and the workplace all-in-all.
You should find a third-party lawyer to help discuss what your rights are after the accident. The more familiarized you are with what you’re entitled to, the easier it’s going to be for you to understand what you deserve to get after the accident or injury. Remember, the law seeks to protect workers – not go against them.
Find A Lawyer To Represent You
It’s very important that you have your own lawyer to help you out with the case. As per Joy Law Firm, it’s best to get legal representation as soon as you can. They can help you file a report, they can help you gather the appropriate evidence, and most importantly, they can help you win the case.
It can be tough finding a lawyer on a budget but there are some lawyers that can work pro bono. If not that, they’ll be willing to accept a down payment, and then the rest of their fees once the case has been dealt with and you get your compensation. Now, what type of lawyer should you get?
Ideally, you should find a lawyer that specializes in personal injury cases or worker’s comp cases. Those with experience already are of course preferred.
File An Accident Report
In most states, you need to keep in mind that there are time frames through which you have to report to HR about the accident. If you go past this deadline, it’s going to be tougher for you to file a case as it will no longer be included under worker’s compensation laws.
The good news is that these deadlines are often generous. You’ll have a lot of time to recover before you can begin filing a case. However, if you have a lawyer to represent you, then you can help deal with the report as soon as you can. In most cases, swift action is going to benefit your work accident claim.
Stay Professional
Last but not the least, you need to stay professional throughout the entire ordeal. We understand that it can be hard to stay calm and professional especially after getting injured due to something that’s completely out of your control. However, it will be harder for you to win your day in court if you get too emotional.
Let your lawyer guide and help you throughout the process. They’ll be more than willing to ensure that you stay protected and compensated after the event. Keep in mind that off-court settlements are very common too and if you’re offered this, make sure to consult with your lawyer first.
Workplace injuries are more common than you think. As such, it’s very important that you stay prepared and ready just in case it happens to you. Hopefully, these tips and pointers help you understand the steps you can take to protect yourself from getting the short end of the stick.
