Workplace accidents can be traumatizing and can leave you in shock. You may wonder what to do and who to turn to. To ensure your rights as a worker are protected, take the following steps after a workplace accident in addition to speaking to a work injury attorney:
Try to stay calm. You may be injured, feel scared and/or angry, and may want to lash out. It is best to maintain calm as these emotions will not help the situation.
Seek medical attention and treatment as soon as possible. Even if you do not think you were injured severely, always get checked out by a medical professional after a workplace accident. You have the right to have your medical condition evaluated and treated properly after an occupational incident.
Report the accident and all details to your supervisor, being as specific as possible. Also, write down your own side of the story for your records and for your legal counsel. For your supervisor or employer to file a workers’ compensation claim, they must have all accident details right after the accident occurs.
Do not sign anything your employer, their team of lawyers, or their insurance agents ask you to sign without having an experienced personal injury lawyer review it. Many victims are unwillingly forced into signing paperwork they do not understand. After a workplace accident, you should always talk with a lawyer first.
Keep track of all information related to the accident and your injuries, including all medical treatment, insurance information, and other relevant documents. Establish a paper trail to help document everything, no matter how small.