Even responsible employers sometimes take actions or overlook things in ways that lead to workplace accidents and injuries. Thankfully, most employers carry workers’ comp insurance, allowing employees an opportunity to have their expenses paid for.
But is accepting a workers’ comp settlement always the right move? And what steps should you take immediately after the accident?
What to Do If You’re Injured on the Job
If you’re injured on the job for any reason and in any way, these are the most important steps to follow:
1. Call for medical help. Your first priority needs to be getting medical attention, especially if there’s an urgent need for it. Call emergency services or consider driving yourself to the hospital, depending on the extent of the injuries. In most cases, immediate medical attention is the right move, but sometimes, it’s reasonable to simply schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
2. Alert a supervisor. Next, alert your supervisor. This is typically a requirement in American workplaces, but even if it’s not a strict requirement, it’s still a good idea. Your supervisor may be required to follow certain steps for reporting the injury.
3. Clear the area. Clear the area where the injury occurred. This can minimize the risk of further injuries to other individuals nearby, while simultaneously preserving the environment for the purposes of gathering evidence.
4. File a report. At this point, you’ll be ready to start filing a report about how the accident happened. Your supervisor may have specific steps for you to follow, or there may be forms for you to fill out. Make sure you agree with all the details on the report before signing it. It’s also a good idea to make a report of your own, noting any important details you feel are relevant to the nature of the accident.
5. Address potential hazards. Sometimes, workplace injuries occur because of hazards or dangerous conditions. If this was the case, work to proactively address those hazards so they can’t cause subsequent injuries to you or other people.
6. Contact an attorney. At this point, you’ll be ready to contact a workers’ comp attorney. Your attorney can help you better understand your circumstances and the options available to you. They may advise you to accept the initial workers’ comp settlement, or they may encourage you to file a personal injury claim. In any case, they’ll be giving you sound legal advice, which you can use to move your case forward and maximize your chances of getting a favorable outcome.
7. Gather evidence. Next, gather evidence. Take photos. Take videos. See if you can obtain any surveillance camera footage. Take down witness testimony and any details about nearby witnesses. Follow your lawyer’s advice for gathering even more evidence.
8. Consider your next steps. Typically, injured workers will be offered a settlement through workers’ compensation. However, by accepting this settlement, you waive the right to sue your employer or take any further legal action. The right move depends on the circumstances of your case, so listen to your lawyer’s advice on the matter.
Getting Through the Next Phases
Regardless of what you choose, getting through the next phases of the process can be challenging. You’ll likely be struggling with a personal injury, as well as the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding the workers’ compensation process.
These strategies can help you stay well as you move through.
· Get all the medical attention and help you need. Don’t be reluctant to get medical help, and definitely don’t contradict the advice of your medical professionals. You should work urgently and proactively to get all the medical attention and help you need, and you should follow the guidance of your doctors and nurses.
· Follow your lawyer’s advice. Similarly, you should generally follow your lawyer’s advice. Your lawyer is not only a representative, but a professional advisor, and they have the knowledge and experience necessary to help you get the most favorable outcome.
· Practice self-care. This isn’t just about your physical health; it’s also about your mental health. It’s important for you to practice self-care, such as getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, eating enough food, and socializing with people you love. Meditation and exercise can also help you relieve stress.
· Be patient. Try to remain patient throughout this process. Negotiating for a settlement can take a considerable amount of time – sometimes weeks, months, or even years.
Nobody wants to suffer an injury on the jobsite. However, such accidents occur with surprising frequency. What’s most important is that you know how to react to such an accident, so that you can position yourself to make a full recovery and be awarded appropriate compensation.
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