As more than 5,000 people die at work every year, workplace accidents and getting hurt on the job are serious issues to look into.
If you’re injured at work, you’ll be put into a position where you might have to go to court against your boss, which is especially hard if you have a good relationship. If they’re properly protected, you’ll only be contending with their insurance company and you’ll be able to protect your relationship.
Here are three things to do when you suffer a workplace injury, no matter what.
1. Take Notes and Report
If you’ve just been injured at work, it’s hard to center yourself and stay focused. Your body’s own survival tactics come into place and start filling you with adrenaline, making you react as if you’re not that hurt. You might get up from a fall and walk away only to wake up the next morning unable to move.
You need to take extensive notes if you get into a workplace accident. Write down the people who may have witnessed the injury, , and anyone you were working beside at the time. OSHA requires every employer to have a system in place for reporting injuries and accidents.
Follow the rules, report to whatever supervisor you have and if possible, take some notes. Be as detailed as possible and avoid placing blame. Leave that to your lawyer.
2. See a Specialist
Even if you feel fine, small fractures could become more severe over time. That adrenaline that filled your veins following the accident can cloud your judgment when it comes to feeling pain. You won’t notice issues for weeks sometimes.
The best way to ensure that you’re okay following an accident is to see a specialist to scan your bones where you fell, landed, or sustained an injury. Your primary care doctor can take a quick look but if they don’t run any scans, it’s hard to know the extent of your injuries.
If they recommend that you take a break from work until your issue heals, then listen to your specialist.
3. Find an Attorney
When you’ve gotten your test results and see something you’re worried about, talk to an attorney about the problem. Bring your x-rays and scans to a lawyer so they can see what’s happening. If it’s apparent there are problems, they’ll work hard to give you the return you’re looking for.
Finding an attorney is hard but there are plenty of personal injury attorneys out there. You can weed them out by looking at what sorts of cases they cover. Ask how much of an award you can expect and ask for examples.
There are plenty of attorneys that specialize in everything from a car accident to construction accident.
Injured at Work and Still Confused?
The most important thing to do when you’re injured at work is to pump the brakes and not to let your emotions take over. There are a lot of mistakes you can make from admitting fault to waiting too long to get a scan. Think carefully and focus on protecting yourself when you get hurt on the job.
If you think that you might want to start your own business following your injury, for tips.
