In the U.S. private industry, around 2.6 million nonfatal accidents happen yearly.
A workplace injury can be a traumatic experience for any employee. They can range from minor cuts and bruises to serious head trauma and even death.
And the financial impact of a workplace injury can be devastating.
Fortunately, you can take steps to protect your rights if you suffer from a workplace accident. These steps will help you recover damages from your injuries and make the healing process more manageable.
If you are thinking, I got hurt at work, what do I do, this short and simple guide is for you.
Report the Injury Immediately
The first thing you need to do is make sure that your employer knows about your injury.
You can do this by calling the company’s safety hotline or reporting to your supervisor. The company will need to investigate the accident and determine if it was your fault or not.
If you delay reporting the injury, this may make it harder for them to investigate properly.
Seek Medical Attention
It’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible after your injury.
You should see your primary care physician for a thorough examination. The doctor will help determine the extent of your injuries and provide you with treatment.
The doctor may refer you to a physical therapist or other specialist for additional treatment.
Take Pictures of the Accident Scene
It may seem like a small thing, but taking pictures of the accident scene can be very helpful.
These photos can help you show what happened and how it occurred, which could affect your case. Take photos of your injuries, the tools you were using, and any other equipment that was involved.
You can also take a photo of the facility, your work area, and any safety violations related to your accident.
Fill Out an Incident Report
It’s important to get all the details of your accident while they are still fresh in your mind.
This will help you fill out the incident report correctly and accurately. You should also ask for information from any witnesses who were present at the time of your accident.
The more information you have on record, the easier it will be to make a successful claim or case later on.
File a Report With OSHA if Necessary
If your employer has a history of safety violations, you must file an OSHA report.
This will help OSHA determine if they need to inspect your workplace. If OSHA finds violations, it will help you prove what conditions you worked in.
If you need help to file a report, contact your local OSHA office or visit their website at www.osha.gov.
Consider Hiring a Lawyer
The sooner you hire an attorney, the better off you will be in your case.
An attorney can help you figure out what to do next, whether it’s suing or negotiating with your employer. A personal injury lawyer in McAllen can also give you an estimate of how much a lawsuit might be worth.
This can help you decide whether it’s worth your while to pursue legal action.
Follow All Medical Advice
You will probably have to follow some sort of medical advice after the accident.
This may include taking medication, wearing a brace, or having physical therapy. It’s important to follow this advice because it will help you heal faster.
If you don’t follow the doctor’s orders, your employer may use this against you in court.
Document Everything That Happens
You should document everything that happens after the accident.
Keep records of your medical appointments, insurance calls, photos, and witness conversations. Place a copy of all your records, reports, and pictures in a safe place.
This will help you if there is ever any dispute about what happened or when it happened.
File a Worker’s Compensation Claim
If you experience an injury on the job, you have a right to worker’s compensation.
Worker’s compensation provides medical care and wage replacement benefits for injured workers. You can file a claim online, by mail, or in person at your local worker’s compensation office.
You should file a claim as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to document your injury and prove that it happened at work.
Don’t Give a Recorded Statement
Sometimes, an employer will ask you to make a recorded statement about what happened.
While you might think that giving a statement will help your case, it can do just the opposite. If your employer later tries to argue that your injury was not job-related, they can use the recording as evidence against you.
If your employer asks you to give a recorded statement, it is best to decline. Or, tell them you would like to have your lawyer present before giving any kind of statement.
Be Careful What You Say
When you experience an injury on the job, it’s normal to want to vent your frustration.
But, it is important to be careful what you say. You should never discuss your injury with coworkers, on social media, or in any other public setting.
If you do, your employer may use what you said against you in a legal dispute over your injury.
Keep Track of Time Lost From Work
If you cannot work because of your injury, make sure you keep track of the days you are out.
Keep a calendar, journal, or even just a list of the days you could not work. Write how long each symptom lasts and how severe it is on a scale from one to ten.
This can help prove how much time you lost from work and what compensation you should receive.
I Got Hurt: Take These Steps to Protect Yourself
“I got hurt, what should I do?” If you’ve experienced an injury on the job, it’s important to take action immediately.
By following the above steps, you can protect your rights as an injured worker. You can get the help you need to get back on the job and start earning a paycheck again.
For more workplace tips and tricks, check out the latest articles on our blog.
