4 Steps to Follow If You’ve Been Injured At Work

Accidents on the job are more common than many people think. It could be something as simple as a slip and fall on the job site, or it could be something as severe as falling from a ladder. Regardless of the nature of the incident, you could find yourself facing a workplace injury that causes intense consequences. For instance, you may suddenly be left with a broken bone or chronic pain. You could soon accumulate a great deal of medical bills which spike your stress levels.

A workplace injury could change the course of your life forever. As an employee, there are certain steps you absolutely must take to protect yourself physically, emotionally, and legally in the event of an occupational injury. In this guide, we've broken them down simply for you, so you can be as prepared as possible.

1. Report the Injury Immediately

If you've been injured on the job, you must report the incident to your supervisor or the relevant staff member immediately. When you report it, ensure that the details of the incident are accurately recorded by your employer (to the best of your ability). Some extra steps you can take to facilitate the reporting process include:

●      Taking photos of the scene of the incident and any defective equipment

●      Write down the names and contact information of any witnesses

●      Take note of any unsafe working conditions that could have contributed to the incident

2. Seek the Necessary Medical Assistance

Next, you need to look after yourself by getting medical attention. Go to the hospital or your doctor to seek treatment for your work injury as soon as you possibly can. Going as soon as possible will allow the doctor to keep a timely record of your injury, which can be useful later in legal proceedings.

3. Be Mindful of Time Constraints

If you've suffered a workplace injury and you think you may need to seek legal action, you'll need to remember the time limits you're facing. Specifically, in order to be properly compensated for your injury, you need to make your claim within a designated time frame.

Each state sets the law for its workers' compensation time limits. However, it's generally advisable to make your claim within six months of the incident.

4. Enlist the Help of a Workers' Compensation Lawyer

In the event that you decide to pursue legal action against your employer, you'll want a seasoned attorney on your side. This is where a workers' compensation lawyer comes in. They have in-depth knowledge on the judicial system and lots of experience filing claims just like yours. As a result, they're equipped to give you the best advice and to secure the compensation you deserve.

If you're searching for a workers' compensation expert, get in touch with the legal team at Williams & Kamb. These experienced attorneys specialize solely in workers' comp cases, so you'll rest assured that your case is in the best hands possible.

Sustaining a workplace injury can be scary and confusing. Navigating the aftermath can be equally daunting. However, by familiarizing yourself with these steps, you'll be better prepared to handle the situation calmly.

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