4 Steps To Take After A Workplace Injury
/The most common workplace injuries are slip and falls, overexertion, exposure to harmful chemicals or temperatures, being crushed or pinched between heavy objects, and being struck by a heavy object. This is not an exhaustive list, however, and unfortunately, workplace injuries can be caused by a myriad of situations and result in catastrophic and life-threatening injuries. When you or a loved one has been injured in a workplace accident, you will need to take certain steps immediately, including filing a worker’s compensation claim. You should also talk to an experienced compensation attorney (See Fresno worker's compensation attorney, for example) immediately to get started on your claim.
1. Inform Your Supervisor
Notify your supervisor or the general manager of the injury as soon as possible. It’s best to submit this in writing and keep a copy for your records. Usually, construction sites have procedures for when an injury has occurred, so request copies of the incident report that may have been generated.
2. Gather Evidence
Photographs and videos provide indisputable evidence of what happened. Take pictures of anything that may have contributed to or can explain your accident, such as debris, collapsed scaffolding, or other dangers. If you cannot take pictures, ask a coworker to take them for you.
A person can forget details in the days or weeks after an injury has occurred at work. Because of that fact, you should write down what you remember from the day of the incident and what happened leading up to it while your memory is still fresh. You should write down:
● Where the accident happened
● The date and time of the accident
● What task or activity you were engaged in when the accident happened
● The contact information of any witnesses
● What sounds, sensations, or things you saw immediately preceding or following your accident that could be relevant and informative, such as feeling the ground shaking
3. Seek Medical Treatment For Your Injuries
Catastrophic construction site injuries may require an ambulance or for the victim to be airlifted to the hospital. Even if you feel fine, you should go to your nearest emergency room to be assessed for injuries. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent or may take several hours to sit in, such as internal bleeding or whiplash. A doctor can order diagnostic testing to determine the extent of your injuries.
4. Hire A Personal Injury Attorney
When you hire a personal injury attorney who specializes in helping victims of workplace accidents, you improve your chances of getting a fair and just settlement for your injuries. Per data collected by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, by January 2022, 7,496 claims were filed in California for Workers' Compensation Coverage B, which is insurance that covers medical expenses and lost wages for injured employees.
● Of those claims, 2,796 were denied.
● Of the 6,166 claims filed for Part E, 2,821 claims were denied. Part E provides federal compensation to covered employees contingent upon their level of impairment and/or wage loss after developing an occupational illness as a result of exposure to toxic substances at a DOE facility.
Don’t risk having your claim denied by filing it without legal guidance. Speak to an attorney today about your worker’s compensation claim and other legal options.
