5 Key Steps You Should Take if You’re Injured on the Job

Workplace accidents are not predictable, they can happen at any time and anywhere. Most workplaces are danger zones for employees, and risks are present even if there are risk management steps put in place. 

There are some steps to follow in case you get injured on the job. These steps can help reinforce your lawsuit; you will have peace of mind knowing that you can get compensation for your injuries.

Report

If you suffer from a work-related injury, the first thing you should do is report the incident to your superiors. This might seem very obvious but many people skip this step. Sometimes, you might get involved in an accident that might cause a minor injury that will not require immediate medical attention. It might then feel like the right thing to do to wait and not report or even mention the injury to anyone.

However, failure to report the accident will only make matters worse. In fact, your employer can deny your medical benefits. You have at least ten days to report the injury to your employer. Make sure that your employer has created an official report about the accident and you get your own copy. This will make sure there is paper evidence that shows you reported the accident.

Get medical help

After an accident, it is always important to seek medical attention immediately. Even if the injury seems minor and you don’t feel any pain, you must get medical help to make sure that it is not serious and doesn’t turn into a big problem later. After you report the accident, your employer might refer you to a particular doctor, so ensure that you visit them.

In case you don’t agree with the doctor’s evaluation, you can get a second opinion under the Workers’ Compensation Law. However, your employer may not pay for the cost of the second evaluation.

Keep a record of every expense and missed work

Based on the seriousness of your injury, you might be eligible for various workers’ compensation benefits. For instance, your lost wages and medical expenses can be covered. Therefore, you must have a clear record of the missed days and all medical expenses you incurred due to the injury. These documents will include the hospital visits, lab tests and results, surgeries, medical equipment given, and every medication prescribed to you for your injuries. 

Keep in mind that these documents will play a significant role in solidifying your claim and ensuring that you get the compensation you deserve.

Get the help of an attorney

Hiring a personal injury attorney will help you in several ways. Your attorney will make sure that your rights are protected and help you get the right compensation while giving you the best representation. Make sure that you pick a lawyer that is licensed to work in your area since some personal injury laws will differ based on the location.

Be careful and prevent further accidents

After getting injured on the job, make an effort and speak to your colleagues. You cannot share your entire medical information with them but you can listen to their worries. Use everything you learned from your accident to help others prevent accidents like that in the future. Let your employer know that you want to help lower the risks present in the workplace. Who knows – they might consider investing in employee education and other resources.

Summing Up

After an accident or injury at your workplace, you might not be able to work for some time or even permanently. Medical expenses will start to pile up, but you shouldn’t let that stress you and affect your quality of life. Make sure you follow the above steps and remember that there are many laws in place to protect you at work.