We all hope that we’re never the victims of a workplace accident. Depending on where you work, there could be innumerable risks, related to equipment, materials, or environmental conditions. If the people around you aren’t careful, or if something totally unexpected happens, it could result in serious injury, or even death.
Assuming you survive a workplace accident, you need to know what to do next. Not only could it affect your future health and your ability to physically recover, but it could also affect what you’re able to win in terms of relief.
The Potential Range of Workplace Accidents
There are many different types of workplace accidents, some of which require little to no effort after they happen. For example, if you suffer a small cut on your finger, that could technically qualify as a workplace accident, but you can probably just put a bandage on it and go home at the end of your shift. On the other end of the spectrum, workplace accidents can be absolutely devastating, resulting in loss of limb, loss of life, or a lifetime of chronic pain.
Additionally, some workplace accidents are truly freak accidents, with no responsible party who could have prevented them. Others are a result of negligence or recklessness, and might be associated with more damages as a result.
With the help of a personal injury lawyer, you can determine what type of injury you’ve suffered and what your legal options are. Depending on the many variables of the case, they may advise you to simply accept a workers’ compensation settlement or move forward with a full lawsuit. They can also help you discover and present evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and take other steps to ensure the best possible outcome for you.
On the Scene of the Accident
Immediately after the workplace accident, it’s important to follow these steps:
- Prioritize safety. Safety should be your top priority, so get to a safe location as soon as possible and encourage others to do the same. This should prevent further injuries resulting from this accident.
- Call for help. Even if it doesn’t seem explicitly necessary, it’s a good idea to call for medical help. The excitement of the accident can obscure physical symptoms like pain, so it’s valuable to have a medical professional evaluate you and document your injuries.
- Address the core problem. This accident likely stemmed from some identifiable root cause, so correct it if you can. For example, if there’s a malfunctioning piece of equipment, turn it off and issue warnings so no one else is harmed by it.
- File a report. Your organization likely has a formal policy for how to report a workplace accident. Follow that policy, talk to your supervisor, and make sure the official documentation accurately reflects your experience of the events. This will likely be an important piece of evidence for both parties moving forward.
- Gather evidence and take notes. Speaking of evidence, gather as much as you can and take notes about what you witnessed or experienced. Consider taking photos or videos of the scene of the accident, gather surveillance footage, and even jot down witness statements with names. You might need this information if you decide to file a lawsuit.
- Get medical attention. Do not neglect your medical care. Even if your injuries seem minor, and even if you’re on a strict budget, it’s important to get the care you need; your expenses will likely be compensated in one way or another.
- Remain patient. Workers’ comp claims can take a long time to process. Lawsuits can take even longer. Do your best to remain patient during this time.
Following Up
In the days and weeks following your accident, you should attempt the following:
- Comply with medical advice. Comply with any and all medical advice you receive. That could mean attending follow-up appointments, pursuing physical therapy, or taking prescription medications. This is important to facilitate a faster recovery and maximize potential damages.
- Talk to a lawyer. After getting immediate medical treatment, you should talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. Together with your lawyer, you can sort out the details of the case, decide on a legal strategy, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Because the initial consultation is usually free, there’s no reason not to talk to a lawyer about your options.
- Weigh your options. You’ll likely have multiple options for how to move forward, with various risks and rewards attached to each. Consider these options carefully as you plan your next move.
What you do in the moments and days following a workplace accident can have a profound impact on your life, for the better or for the worse, depending on what you do. Try to remain as calm and rational as possible as you follow these best practices and set yourself up for long-term success.
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