Three Things You Must Do After an Accident at Work

Accidents at work can have devastating consequences. Have you recently been injured while on the job? No matter what industry you work in, there are a few essential points to keep in mind. All employers have a legal obligation to ensure the health and safety of all employees and failure to meet this commitment can have major repercussions. Let’s discover 3 things you need to do after being injured in an accident at work.

Make a Record of Your Accident

Making a record of your accident is essential. Immediately after you have an accident, you must report it to your supervisor or manager and ask for any necessary medical aid. Depending on where you are working and your employment status, you might need to record your accident in an accident book or log. Always speak to your manager if you are unsure about the accident recording process and do not be afraid to keep a copy of the record for yourself. Recording accidents helps employers to see what is going wrong and take action to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Ensure the incident is fresh in your memory by writing down precisely what happened. Speak to any witnesses to get their opinion, and if possible, take pictures of where the accident happened as well as any visible cuts, wounds, or bruises. You might need this photographic evidence later for determining the cause and location of your accident.

Consider a Personal Injury Claim

One of the most important things to remember about accidents in the workplace is that you are always going to be covered by employee rights legislation. Consequently, if you have been injured in an accident at work and you suspect that it could be the fault of your employer or client, then you might be entitled to compensation. Personal injury lawsuits can be complicated and, in some cases, take a long time to resolve. For these reasons, it is vital that you act now as it might be in your best interests to get legal advice from an attorney.

Law firms such as Simon Law can put you in touch with an experienced attorney who is experienced dealing with personal injury matters quickly and efficiently. Common work-related claims that are covered by personal injury law include slip and fall, or trip accidents, overexertion in a demanding environment, as well as being struck by an object or material. Standing up to an employer is not always easy but contacting a personal injury specialist can help you to compile a case and leave court with the settlement you deserve.

Focus on Your Recovery

If you have been injured as a result of an accident at work, you must see a doctor to treat your injuries and obtain a medical record of the consequences of the accident. If you need urgent care, call 911, or alternatively, arrange an appointment with your family doctor as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of your accident, you can also check your contract to determine whether or not you are entitled to any paid time off or sick leave.

Accidental injuries affect each person and body part differently and therefore treatment and recovery time can vary. Your age and general health should also be taken into consideration. Remember to keep a record of any expenses resulting from your accident and hold on to any receipts. For example, this could include records of loss of income, medical expenses, or even travel costs when traveling to hospital.

Ultimately, preventing accidents should always be at the forefront of company policy. All employers are obligated by law to ensure the health and safety of employees at all times and therefore if you suspect your accident could have been caused by your employer’s negligence, you might want to seek legal advice. If you are an employee though who has had an accident at work, then you should check out this article here for 7 tactics you should consider after a work accident.