Employers have plans for dealing with workplace injuries, but employees often aren’t so prepared. They don’t know what to do or who to turn to.
Being injured is already a disorientating time. Let’s walk through the steps of what you need to do next.
1) Report Your Injury to Your Manager
Many accidents can leave you feeling scared and confused. You’re probably in pain. But your first task is to report what happened to your manager.
They should call the first aider on staff if you need medical attention. Hopefully it won’t be necessary, but they should call a paramedic if needed.
If there are any witnesses, get them to take photos. You’ll need images of what caused the accident and images of the injury. Ask witnesses if you can record a short statement of what they saw on your smartphone.
2) Consult a Doctor
Your employer may send you to the chosen doctor of the company. You’ll undergo an assessment so they can send a report to your employer.
Give the doctor all of the facts they need. Explain what happened leading up to the accident and how the injury happened.
Tell them whatever medical attention you received. That’s everything from first aid to visiting a hospital.
That helps the doctor to write a thorough report. Your employer needs to have the full extent of your injury set down in writing.
3) Collect Evidence
Keep any letters, emails, or reports relating to the injury. That includes any correspondence about taking time off work.
Your employer may deny the accident happened. Or they may try to blame you. Keep any of these communications.
Gather the images taken by any witnesses. Take photos of your injuries yourself, if you can.
And keep track of your medical receipts, for drugs or procedures.
4) Seek Legal Help
Do you think the accident could have been prevented? Making your employer aware of the situation is just the first step.
Seeking help from an injury attorney is your next step. Choose a personal injury attorney so you can be sure they have the experience you need in this area.
If you’re not sure who to approach, check out our network of attorneys as part of your consultation.
They will need the evidence you have collected. They can use all of this information to help negotiate a settlement figure. US employers spent nearly $62 billion on workplace injury claims in 2013.
Being Injured at Work Doesn’t Have to Be Scary
Knowing that you have qualified professionals on your side can help cut through the feelings of anxiety that accompany workplace injuries.
Follow these steps and report the injury, seek medical assistance, collect evidence, and present it to your attorney. Then let them take over and do what they do best.
Now you know what to do if you’ve been injured at work. If you need the right medical or legal help, contact us today and we’ll get you on the road to recovery.