Workplace accidents are very common, which is hardly a surprise considering how much of our lives we spend at work. In 2019, there were over 2.8 million recorded workplace accidents according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You may find this number shocking and so do we! This certainly leads to hours and hours of lost labor and man-hours in workplaces across the country.
The most common accidents tend to be slips, trips, and falls, but other common injuries are caused by falling objects, collisions, or repetitive strain injuries. In this article, we will briefly discuss the best steps you need to take if you have been involved in a workplace accident.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Well, yes! You may indeed need a lawyer, especially if you have been injured or lost earnings due to a workplace incident, an Athens personal injury lawyer will be the person to call in this sort of situation, they are specialists in these kinds of cases and can help you access any compensation or help you may be entitled to. However, your personal injury lawyer will not be able to help you unless you follow the other steps below. So, let’s explain what you can do to get the process started properly, all before you even reach out to your local law firm.
Report the Accident Properly
First thing’s first, report the accident properly at work. Follow all your workplace’s protocols to ensure the accident is logged everywhere it needs to be. This can often include reporting in a dedicated accident book, reporting to your line manager, and letting all your close colleagues know about what happened. Following these protocols properly is an essential first step in managing a workplace accident situation. If you fail to record the accident properly within a short timeframe, you could end up without sufficient evidence to press charges against your workplace. So, make sure you record everything immediately, following all of your workplace’s recommendations.
Take Photo and Video Evidence
The next step, which should also be taken as soon as possible after the accident, is to record any evidence from the scene of the accident, photos and videos taken immediately after the accident has taken place will greatly help your lawyers build a case of evidence, especially if your workplace is at fault for your accident or injury. If your boss or workplace is at fault, they may try to cover up the situation before you can return to gather evidence, so take those pictures right away. Regardless of whether you feel someone else is to blame, you should still take as much evidence from the scene as possible. At the end of the day, you can never have too much evidence.
Record all Your Symptoms, Damages, and Expenses
In the immediate days following the accident, you may have physical problems, expenses, or financial damages to deal with. It is essential to keep a note of everything. Let’s say you are injured and have to pay an insurance fee to claim treatment, or you’re unable to drive so have to get multiple taxis to see a doctor or specialist; keep receipts and evidence of all of these expenses.
If you are unable to work you should, in theory, be paid sick leave depending on your contract. Make sure you are paid correctly and take note of any deductions made to your payment due to being off work. A good lawyer will be able to help you reclaim all of these costs and there may even be evidence of negligence that you will be able to seek compensation for, too.
Seek Medical Help
So far we have discussed keeping records and taking evidence to ensure you can fight your case if necessary. However. it is obviously vital to take care of yourself properly in these situations as well. Make sure you tend to any injuries right away. Head to your local ER or family doctor to assess any injuries caused by a workplace accident. Make sure you receive full and proper treatment so as not to create any longer-term problems for yourself. Of course, make sure you keep copies of all medical notes and correspondence, as these may well come in handy later on down the line.
Following these steps after a workplace accident will help you not only receive proper treatment and care but also put you in the best position for seeking compensation if necessary. Sadly, sometimes accidents can be avoided. But, at least by following the steps listed above, you will now understand how to deal with an accident if it arises.
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