The Steps to Take After Suffering a Workplace Injury

The law requires employers to create a safe working environment. Therefore, businesses take precautions such as employing safety officers, installing firefighting systems, providing personal protective equipment, and conducting regular safety audits. However, such measures may not be present at your workplace or may fail to prevent an accident.

So what are your options when you suffer an injury at work? Medical professionals recommend getting first aid services immediately to prevent escalating the situation. After that, you can commence various legal proceedings. This piece provides tips that should guide your actions after suffering an injury. 

Filing a Compensation Claim

Your employer should file a compensation claim with the insurance company immediately after an injury. Any delays might result in conflicts and extra costs when filing at a later date. The claim is also essential in ensuring that you receive prompt treatment and prevent the injury from worsening. Insurers also require employers to provide supporting documents alongside the claim form. 

If the employer or insurance company denies the claim, it is wise to involve an attorney. The attorney understands the law and can scrutinize evidence, conduct investigations, and argue your case on your behalf. The attorney is also essential during clear-cut compensation claims since they can help prevent any mistakes that can cause delays and complications. 

Handling Evidence

Accidents happen so fast that you might miss a lot of details. You may also be unconscious or distracted by the injury. Still, the evidence might help you get the deserved amount of compensation after settling the claim. Insurance investigators and your employer require these documents to ensure that your claim is legitimate and to quantify the damages incurred. 

Therefore, what evidence do you require? All material evidence you feel can prove your case and support the claim is essential. Ensure you keep the medical records, receipts, and police reports and create your statement recalling the incident. The issue becomes more manageable if you or your lawyer gather video footage, photos, and witness statements after the accident. 

Getting Back to Work

Never go back to work without reporting the incident to your employer. If the injury seems minor, the report can help support your case in the future if your condition deteriorates. Take time and ensure the pain, swelling, or stiffness stops. Remember, rushing the recovery process might cause more significant injuries, which your insurer and employer might interpret as ignorance. 

As you return to work, you have several rights according to the law. For example, you have the right to file a compensation claim even if you return to work. You also have the right to apply for disability benefits, receive all or a section of the lost wages, and negotiate for working conditions that support your recovery. 

Moving on After the Injury

Some injuries might require you to quit your current job, stay at home, or seek an alternative occupation. This lifestyle change may come with additional costs that the compensation claim can settle. You can also receive payment for ongoing therapy to help you recover. Ensure that you document any expenses related to the injury while at home. 

Some insurers provide payments to people whose conditions worsen while recovering at home. For example, bed-ridden patients may develop weak bones, pressure sores, constipation, and depression. This compensation helps you curb such health problems without straining your finances. Therefore, inquire about the type of workers’ compensation coverage your employer has, especially before you join their company. 

Injuries can change your life instantly, yet they are sometimes inevitable. Your compensation insurance helps settle any bills resulting directly from the injury. At Gayheart & Willis P.C., we can assist you with filing, following up, and defending your compensation claim.