When a workplace injury happens, it is important to know what you need to do to make sure your interests are being covered. You may have an employer that is trustworthy, but you still will need to advocate for yourself to make sure your injury doesn’t cause you any financial strain.
First and foremost you need to take care of yourself, but then you’ll need to understand your rights. Even though your employer will have responsibilities to take care of on their end, you should know what they need to do as opposed to what you should be doing.
In this article, I will go over what to do when you get hurt at work including when you need to find a lawyer.
Get treated
The very first thing you need to do is find somebody to tell that you’ve been injured, if possible. A first aid kit is a legal obligation at every workplace so you’ll need to be treated to manage the injury right away.
Even if your injuries appear to be minor, you still need to treat it and then continue to the next steps. If you do nothing and it turns out to be something serious it will be difficult to prove your case if there is nothing on record as to it happening at work.
If it is clear it is serious right away then you’ll have to request an ambulance if there isn’t a protocol at your workplace to have one arrive automatically.
Get a lawyer
Once you are treating your injury and are able to communicate, then you need to contact a lawyer. A personal injury lawyer will help you navigate the myriad of documents and forms needed to apply for worker’s compensation and paid time off.
You can get an idea of how a personal injury lawyer can help you by visiting the Lamber Goodnow Website. They may not be the lawyer you choose unless you live in the area, but you’ll at least get an idea of how to proceed.
Talk to your colleagues
If you aren’t able to get back to work right away, you’ll need to talk to your coworkers to let them know what happened as some of them may be able to help you with a testimonial if they were witnesses to your incident.
They can also make sure the accident has been logged in the accident book. It is required that every workplace accident get registered but many managers are reluctant to do so. If you know the accident hasn’t been logged then let your lawyer know.
Keep good records
Every time you talk to your lawyer, doctor or employer, make sure you keep a record of the time and date and who you spoke with.
These notes will come in handy when you are trying to get your compensation. Keep any documentation from your doctor about what you are able to do and if you will be out of work for some time.
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