Getting injured on the job can be a traumatic experience that leaves the injured worker with several questions, including what steps to take next to protect their rights and how the workplace injury may affect their lives. Gaylord & Nantais Attorneys at Law is committed to defending the rights of injured workers at every stage. Here are nine steps we recommend taking in the event of a work injury.
We believe that taking these essential steps will not only put you on the path to recovery, but also put you in the best possible position if you decide to seek compensation for work-related injuries and losses.
4 Things You Should Do Following a Work Injury
- Prioritize Your Health
Immediately following the accident, you should seek medical attention. Employers are required to be equipped to provide first-aid to injured workers on the job, so if you do not receive first-aid at work, this may indicate a failure on the part of your employer. If you have been injured on the job, you should get a thorough evaluation of your injuries as soon as possible from a qualified medical professional.
- Report the Accident Promptly
Additionally, it is essential that you notify your manager or supervisor of the work injury. Follow your organization’s accident reporting protocols and procedures. Do not admit fault or assign blame when reporting the accident. Simply state the facts and enter them into the record. Ensure that you keep a copy of this report for your records. Confirm that your employer is recording and reporting your accident officially.
- Tell Your Co-Workers About the Accident
Inform your co-workers of your workplace accident immediately. This could prevent similar workplace injuries from occurring in the future. It could be useful if you decide to investigate or file a claim. This action will make it more difficult for your employer or their insurance company to contest the occurrence of the work injury. In addition, doing so can be beneficial if your employer modifies policies or repairs/replaces equipment following your accident. Some of these actions could be taken to conceal your incident. In such circumstances, informing your trusted co-workers will ensure that you have someone on your side who can vouch for your account of the work injury.
- Obtain Photo and Video Evidence
Photos and videos of the work injury scene and your injuries can be indispensable when proving your claim. This can be very persuasive evidence. If you are injured and need to be transported to an emergency room or hospital, ask a trusted co-worker, family member, or friend to photograph and record the accident scene. Your employer may make changes after you leave, so if you miss this opportunity, you may never be able to obtain such visual evidence.
Conclusion
We comprehend the complexity of cases involving workplace injuries. We have extensive experience representing severely injured workers’ rights. We are aware that workers’ compensation alone is insufficient to cover your losses, particularly if you have suffered a catastrophic or life-threatening work injury. We will investigate all avenues of compensation to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your losses. Call us at (562) 561-2669 or visit Gaylord and Nantais Attorneys at Law.
